A depth-heart-centered response to the cries from Ukraine…

Ukraine was invaded by Russia on February 24th, 2022.

At this time we can participate in standing for peace, love, and conscious resistance against destructive forces by taking the time to learn about Ukrainian culture, symbology, mythology, folklore, and traditions. In doing so, with curiosity and an open heart, we can connect with the Ukrainian people, who at this moment are being impacted by the Russian invasion.

Support Ukrainian Artists

It is time to invest in and amplify Ukrainian artists, healers, and individuals who are doing their part to respond to the war, after all, it is their lived experience that is most brutally and directly affected by the invasion. For example, Ukrainian artist Daria Hlazatova creates intricate images that are full of depth and story, honoring her Ukrainian cultural roots with love and fine detail. Her art and real-time posting via her Instagram offer a window into the devastations of war and capture the resilience of the people. Daria uses her art and voice to capture the experience of being in a war zone and has shifted her focus from selling her art on Etsy to raising funds for Ukrainian armed forces, as she herself is impacted by the Russian invasion. The images below are an example of her captivating art.

"Berehynia" from Ukrainian:

"the one who protects"

by Daria Hlazatova

“So I decided to be resilient, and to draw when I can and when I don't feel too exhausted. So here is one of the unofficial symbols of Ukraine - a sunflower. The sunflower of power ♡”

By Daria Hlazatova

“The feeling that runs through still is readiness for any outcome, the realisation that nothing is eternal and that invisible things matter most: love, kindness, freedom, justice, life. Is life invisible? :-)”

by Daria Hlazatova

Support Initiatives

We can collectively respond to the calls and cries of the people who are most impacted, raising awareness and funds in support of the people. Several initiatives are responding to the needs of the people and are looking for support from artists. The following initiatives are working directly with artists that are willing to donate their art to raise awareness and donations for the people of Ukraine.

Creatives for Ukraine “is an open platform for creatives from around the world showing solidarity with the people of Ukraine, who are fighting for the world as we know it.” Follow their Instagram here.

Design for Ukraine is “a fundraising initiative looking to collaborate with artists worldwide to help raise funds in support of defense and recovery efforts in Ukraine.” Follow their Instagram here.

Donate

Donate safely to a Ukrain crisis relief fund through Global Living here.

The role of the artist

As artists and creatives, it is time to amplify the symbols, images, and music that captures the strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people, by supporting Ukrainian artists and using our platforms to acknowledge the severity of the global political climate and its impact on people. In this manner, we amplify symbols of resilience, sovereignty, peace, and love to collectively participate in opening and softening the hearts of the world and our world leaders. I choose to depict a beautiful Ukrainian woman wearing a vinoks, a traditional Ukrainian headpiece made of sunflowers, the Ukrainian national flower, smiling in front of the colors of the Ukrainian flag, blue and yellow. The woman is inspired by the photographs of Ukrainian women wearing elaborate traditional flower crowns featured in the 2020 National Geographic article, Spectacular flower crowns rule in Ukraine.

I felt inspired to capture the beauty of Ukrainian of this tradition, in admiration of its origins and the sunflower’s more recent symbology of solidarity with Ukraine.

Stay Informed

Lastly, it is important to be informed about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and learn why it matters to other nations, including the United States. Stay informed with National Public Radio (NPR) here and join the effort by sharing links to additional resources in the comment section.