Navigating New Horizons: The Intersection of Art and Relocation

Join host Emily Bron in this inspiring episode of ‘Age of Reinvention’ as she sits down with the talented artist Juliana Kolesova. From Russia to Canada to Montenegro, Juliana shares how her international relocations have influenced her art and life. Discover her insights on embracing change, facing challenges, and the importance of continuous creation. Don’t miss this captivating conversation about adapting to new cultures and the boundless power of transformation.

TIMESTAMPS:
01:00 Introduction to Juliana Kolesova’s Journey
03:13 Juliana’s Early Moves and Inspirations
04:43 Challenges and Adaptations in New Countries
06:19 Artistic Evolution and Personal Identity
10:01 Maintaining Cultural Roots and Artistic Advice
16:42 Impact of Technology on Art
22:10 Juliana’s Writing and Future Projects
25:42 Life in Montenegro and Final Thoughts

Emily Bron: Welcome listeners to another inspiring episode of Age of Reinvention. I am your host, Emily Braun, and today we have the pleasure of exploring the art of transformation with incredibly talented Yuliana Kolesova. Yuliana’s artistic journey is compelling narrative of crossing borders, embracing new cultures, And redefining personal and creative identity from the historic landscapes of Russia to the vibrant communities in Toronto, Canada, and the serene beauty of Montenegro.

Juliana has not only changed her surroundings, but has allowed each place to leave its imprint in her art and lifestyle. As the colors of her experiences blend into her creations, Yuliana illustrates the remarkable symphony of adapting to new worlds, crafting an ever expanding body of work that pays homage to the heritage of her past while celebrating the diversity of her present.

Today, she shares her insights on how relocating internationally has molded her life and craft. Let us journey through the landscapes of Yuliana’s artistry shaped by her migrations. Each is a testament to the boundless power of embracing change and finding new muses in the places one calls home. Hello, Juliana.

It’s wonderful to have you here in my studio today.

Juliana Kolesova: Hi, Emily. Thank you for having me.

Emily Bron: Welcome to the show and telling the truth. I was looking forward for a long time to have you with me and really excited about this time together. Relocating internationally is a significant life event, especially for people over 50.

You relocated overseas several times during your adult lifespan. Can you share with us what motivated your move from Russia to Canada? Later to Montenegro and how this experience has influenced your life and art.

Juliana Kolesova: First of all, I moved from Kazakhstan to Moscow. It happened in 1970s.

It’s also a pretty big move. It is important for me to change something in my life from time to time. I’m sure that routine is pretty harmful both for an artist and for a person in general. Every move for me, it’s not only difficulties or challenges. There are also new opportunities, new impressions new knowledge.

It is, I would say, an expansion of horizons. time, every time. Personally, I believe that changes and challenges

Emily Bron: Thank you very much. It’s, by the way, completely my definition of value of relocation in this age time. And I’m really happy that we are, there is resonation in our ideas and outlook on this.

Having relocated internationally, What challenges did you face in establishing your new home, new social circle, and yourself as an artist in a new country? In your case, it was three times.

Juliana Kolesova: Yes. Like all immigrants, our family encountered an unfamiliar world. world. Language barrier not knowing the subtleties of culture and mentality something just seems strange every time you change a country.

It’s always something new. We had to learn a lot. For example, like how to smile to strangers. We had to re educate ourselves in some

Emily Bron: ways. Yes. Adapting to a new country often involves embracing new culture, sometimes new language. In your case, it was at least twice. And how do you feel these aspects of your move shape your personal and professional identity as an artist?

Juliana Kolesova: As I already said new knowledge only enriches you. I don’t think the move dramatically changed my identity as an artist, but it helped me look at myself from the outside. And as I would like to think, Become a little wiser.

Emily Bron: Okay. Let’s dive a little bit inside if possible. You have lived and worked in Kazakhstan, in Russia, Canada, and Montenegro, very different places.

How do you think this diverse lifestyles, your personal and cultural environment in the countries has been reflected in your work? in your work, if at all?

Juliana Kolesova: Yes, of course, definitely art is I always say art is A mirror of the world. It reflects absolutely

Emily Bron: everything. And as far as I know, your work reinvention is one of the central themes of your work as well as my podcast.

Have you ever felt. that you need also to reinvent your style or approach completely in your artistic journey? Probably

Juliana Kolesova: not. I’ve never felt that the needed for it. There is always something to learn, of course, but the main thing for an artist is to always remind yourself, the person’s Personality changes with age anyway, right?

And accordingly, the creative style changes as well. But this happens, I think, organically and by, by itself.

Emily Bron: Okay as time changes, yes? As as we’re living through the new social, political Cultural changes. I believe it affects your art and media you’re working with. Yes,

Juliana Kolesova: of course, everything affects my art is but it’s like I said it happens anyway.

It’s not like at some point you decide, Oh I need to change my style or I need to do something completely different. It’s not like that. It’s it’s just, I don’t know. It just happens like everything happens. And I think I believe in intuition. Especially in art, intuition always tells you what to change, or what not to change, or what to do to express yourself.

Emily Bron: Juliana, your art beautifully captures emotions and stories. It’s actually storytelling. Can you share with us what initially drew you to art and illustration?

Juliana Kolesova: I don’t I don’t think something drew me to that. Because from the very young age, I only wanted to be a narcissist. I think I was born with that.

Emily Bron: Okay. And I know your portfolio showcases a variety of styles and subjects and sometimes objects from children book illustration to more complex historical figures. How do you decide on style approach? Or it’s again, just happened as you say?

Juliana Kolesova: It depends. If we talk about illustrations, it’s always a work of a team.

So there is an art director. It’s a commercial work. So all together, this team decides on the style and how to approach this project. But as for my personal work Again, it depends on the subject. You just this idea comes to your head and

with the style, with the I don’t know, it’s it’s very intuitional progress. It’s really hard for me

To describe it.

Emily Bron: How do you maintain a connection to your cultural roots in your art while also being influenced by the new settings and cultures you have been immersed in, in different countries?

Juliana Kolesova: I think our roots, it’s some sort of DNA. You don’t have to try to preserve them. I think the You keep them for the rest of your life your rules are always there. You cannot do anything about it. That’s why I think even I changed my style or my vision of art with moving to another country.

It’s my roots are, still there. Because it it’s not only my roots, it’s my childhood, it’s my culture, it’s in my blood, not only mine. For everyone, it’s the same thing.

Emily Bron: What advice would you give to other artists facing the prospect of relocation? How can they prepare themselves for the shift in, Life circumstances which might affect inspiration and the practicalities of living and working in a new place.

Juliana Kolesova: The main thing is I guess to accept changes, both good and bad. To understand that when we acquire something, we

We also lose something as well, and this is normal. So exception is the major thing for me. And as for myself, changes always inspire me, but all people. are different. There, there is no general receipt for everyone, right?

Emily Bron: But what do you would recommend to other artists who probably now considering relocation?

And I understand it’s a different personalities, different lives, but people sometimes dreading, about possibilities, if they would be able to create how new environment I don’t know, some practical aspects of establishing yourself as an artist in new country.

Juliana Kolesova: I think it’s it’s a usual way for every country.

Doesn’t matter where you moved. For me, I think the most important thing is just continue working. And when you work you have something you have this project in your head and you some sort of goal and you go there step by step, you’re moving somewhere. And I believe if you do the steps, you will come somewhere, right?

You will see the other people, the other artists you. Get familiar with this culture. You talk to people you do your research and but the most important thing is do not stop working, just get inspirations from the new things something you’ve never seen before. And for me, it’s always an inspiration.

When I moved to Montenegro, I I started doing so many different things I’ve never done before. I tried absolutely, and it was surprisingly for myself that I started, for example painting icons or doing some unusual crafts, or recently I finished this series of sculptural work in absolutely new technique for me, and although it was something completely new.

I was so excited that I finished it pretty quickly. It took half a year to finish this series. And this series will be presented next year. This series will be presented at

Emily Bron: Oh, congratulations. And I’m always inspired myself. And sometimes with your work, when I see it on Facebook or website, and I believe many people who would see it would agree with it. It gives me. even not only inspiration, but a lot of food for thoughts and sometimes very strong emotions. I would say, which not many other works like artists can ignite in me, I would say.

Maybe because we, yes, we are aligned in some our worldview, but I believe even people who don’t know you will get a fresh sense of something unusual and telling the truth, like your latest work as you say, work project, I even don’t know how to name it. Your latest portfolio really.

For me was even signal of like how it’s possible to create such work from such materials. I sometimes didn’t understand like this new media and I’m not artist, but I understand that how it’s unusual from the outsider to look. I even cannot I was trying to think about your process, and I understand that it might be your, creational process or secret, and it’s impossible to describe inspiration, but what what prompted you to start to work with new media?

Juliana Kolesova: Oh,

Emily Bron: like I

Juliana Kolesova: said nobody knows. It’s it’s hard to answer the question. It just comes from somewhere and you suddenly decide that, Oh, what if I do this and that? And for me, it’s important to have an element of challenge. If it’s something new, which I’ve never done before, it drives me. I I always think, oh let’s see if I can do that.

And I think that is that is very important thing for any artist. Try new things. I know there are commercial a lot of commercial artists who I am a commercial illustrator myself. And I know that sometimes you just do something for a living and you have to do it pretty well to make money.

And it’s easier to get into a certain niche and continue creating. The things you really do well. But commercial work is is totally different from your personal creative work. Here you have to change something. You have to try new things. You have to get inspirations from everywhere, from the nature, from museums, from people, from pretty much all aspects of our social life.

Emily Bron: I know and you know as well that latest technological changes created additional obstacles to many artists working with different media. I was speaking, for example, with young check her opera finger and about the issues and she’s trying to reinvent herself now through the podcasting, for example and because of AI which it moved, creation from the artist work to actually this production, as you would say.

So the work by AI, which is developing very quickly, affect actually day to day life, I would say, of artists like artists like you, like I hear about issues about, musicians when, music is all creative I would say industry on the verge of the reinvention.

And I understand how it can be frightening for some because it’s something that you were not expected, expecting in addition to your inspiration, there are some outside factors, I would say, which might affect your work and perception of your work. What you can say in this regard?

Juliana Kolesova: Yes it’s happening and you cannot stop the technology. It’s a very powerful movement. You don’t have to confront with this. You have to understand that and you have to adjust your work, your living to what’s going on in, in the industry, in the market. For me, it’s a little different than for some artists who just started their career as digital commercial artists. That would be, for me, I remember myself Imagine you just got very good education, you you work hard to get into this market and suddenly when you just think, oh now, I that is the beginning of something big and I will make a lot of money and stuff like that.

And suddenly there is artificial intellect and, you don’t know what to do because it’s like you said, it’s getting better and better. And as for the commercial illustration, I think it does it even better than many, very many illustrations already. When it just started, it was not good enough.

But now it’s getting better so fast. And for me, it’s it’s not a big drama because I’m tired of being a commercial illustrator. And moving here, I decided to concentrate more on art. Handwork, which is so hard for, which is so far impossible to do.

Emily Bron: Impossible for AI to replicate.

Impossible. Yes,

Juliana Kolesova: for AI, it’s yes, it’s it would be impossible. And I think the more digital art digital artists have challenges. With their careers. It’s better for those who all work with their hands. I don’t know about musicians. Honestly, I don’t know how they will adjust to all this technology, but for the artists, as far as you can create something physical, I think it will be more and more Wanted and more expensive because digital art is is very affordable for everyone.

Every child, every student can create something with the help of AI. But There are not so many masters who are not as many as creative artists who can do something really really nice with their hands. So I think there is a future. There is a future for artists. Go back to hard work.

Because we so used to depend on on this technology. Sometimes we think technology does the biggest part of our work and we don’t have to study. We don’t have to do to work really hard because there is a technology which helps. But, Now it’s different. Now we have to go back to hard work.

Emily Bron: Yes, and a new approach. And actually this young girl, which I recently happened to be together in podcasting group, she moved from United States to Prague, graduated from conservatory. as opera singer and was full of, plans about, working in some European theaters when this huge change is happening.

So she’s adjusting to some new, I don’t know, digital music and I’m with interest looking to, to follow her steps in this direction because she want to inspire some other musicians who probably are not yet in position. She’s learning different digital tools with hope to integrate her thinking.

I, I believe as

Juliana Kolesova: Yes, I guess it’s the only way to adjust. to what’s happening in the world.

Emily Bron: Yes. In your case, you are not only artist, you are writer. It’s less known for many people. But I read your storytelling. I would say I read your fables and I know about several performances in local Toronto theaters, which were created based on your stories.

Are you continue writing something? In Montenegro.

Juliana Kolesova: Yes, I do. I am continuing, but you cannot do everything at the same time. I have to concentrate on the project to do it. I have to be involved completely. I cannot, for example, I cannot do my artistic project today and tomorrow do something else, like writing.

You have to completely get to this project. So I think now when I finished This big one. I was talking about probably I will go back to writing, but I still write short stories, poetry, some small things, but I have an idea for a big novel, but that would get a full concentration and So far I don’t have time for that, but I will find it.

Emily Bron: Oh, I’m very happy to hear about your new projects. And it’s actually was my next question. What are the new projects? What we can expect from Yuliana in the future? Like I’m not limiting by time.

I don’t like to give any promises. No promises. Just what is in your. creative process planning. I

Juliana Kolesova: have a lot of projects. The problem is time as always, how to find time for everything I would like to do. But the next one probably I will continue with this new technique and create some sort of portrait, portrait collection, portrait series.

That is one of the idea. Another one is a new painting series and I don’t know, I also do some crafts. I I’m very interested in history. Recently I tried to do something with historical view. It’s hard to explain in words. I guess artists. better expresses themselves. in the paintings than in wars.

Yes. When I, when it’s ready probably I wouldn’t need to explain it. I don’t like to explain my art. I think, I believe that good art is supposed to make people get questions. It’s not to give them answers, to provoke questions, to make them think and I really love when people try to explain my art to themselves and to me.

It’s always very interesting how differently people see it. And for me, it’s it’s a good thing because it means there are levels. There are some different ways to see it, and it

gives people space for thinking, which is important for me. I don’t want, I don’t want my art to be, like, very straightforward.

Emily Bron: Absolutely. Otherwise, it’s not thought provoking, otherwise it’s clear. So many artists are working in this way, and I know that you are different. And now I have a little bit different question.

What about your new social circle in the place you’re living now? And actually, how important is it for you at this period? It

Juliana Kolesova: is important somehow. But again, I don’t have time for, not much time for social life. I try, of course, I now I know some people, some good artists here in Montenegro. There are actually a lot of talented artists here, and recently I I visited I went to some exhibition opening in Porto Montenegro.

There was exhibition of actually American artists. She’s from Montenegro, but she moved to Chicago when she was just a child. I talked to her and interesting thing that we found that there’s so many common things with us. She moved from being a young person. She decided to move to Montenegro pretty much for the same reason as myself because As many other creative people, she thinks that the most important thing is freedom.

And her series of paintings it was very nice. I really loved it. It was about what, it was pretty dark, I would say about what mass media do with our consciousness, with our mind. It is very deep and I’m really glad that I met her and I’m really glad that she moved here and hopefully I will talk, I will have an opportunity to talk to her again.

And there are some local artists who are also very interesting. It’s different from, let’s say, American art, or it’s very local, but also sometimes very thoughtful and deep. So yes, I I try to communicate with other artists, with people who is interested in art. But, be honest with you, probably you know that Montenegro is not a country of art.

It’s not Italy or UK. It’s a very quiet and beautiful country, but I got a lot of inspiration from the nature. From this quiet environment where

Everything helps me to concentrate on my art, which is, I found, a really important and good thing. Because in big cities, there’s so many distractions.

Emily Bron: Absolutely. It actually was a reason for me to ask this question. I understand the differences between art scenes, say, in Moscow, where you lived years ago, in Toronto and Montenegro.

It’s what I thought and wanted your confirmation or your story is that at this period of time, probably for you, this kind of more meditative environment, I would say it’s what you need in order to really change and adjust.

Juliana Kolesova: Yes, at this point, I think it’s what I need because like I said, surprisingly my work here became so active and different from what I had been doing before. And, yes, it’s always a different environment. There is always something new means. But there is always

Emily Bron: something to gain. I’m happy to hear and learn from you, and I know that Montenegro, it’s a small country but I’m happy to know that you already met somebody because to be around all to have.

Some like minded people. It’s very important for you actually for everyone and I believe that will be already are probably more freedom loving people in Montenegro. I am following the trends a little bit different about, Bitcoin and new eco living communities and free cities and one of the prospering communities, actually in city you live in Bar, it’s Monte Libero.

So there is obviously some dynamic which actually not seen say in our big Canada, if we speak about territory. So sometimes small countries. Provide opportunities for the new ideas, for new movement. And I think that maybe for you, you are in correct place, in correct time. I hope so.

Juliana Kolesova: At least it’s I live in Europe.

In Canada although I miss Canada in some aspects. But I remember when we moved to Canada in late 90s, I moved from Moscow and artistic life in Moscow, even there that time was much more active than in Toronto. That time Toronto seemed a bit sleepy and also conservative to me compared to Moscow.

It’s much better now, but Again, if you compare it with

Emily Bron: New York. Now you compare it with Montenegro. You don’t compare, you live your life.

Juliana Kolesova: Yes, you don’t have to compare exactly, because everything is comparable. And, like I said, there are always good things and bad things. What’s the point to compare?

You just find something good in every place you move to and get inspired get inspiration from something new. There is always something new and that is important. And also in, in our time of exchanging information, communication. It’s so it’s not necessary to leave in the epicenter of events.

You, you can leave in very quiet place and also collaborate with any galleries in the world. And being in Europe, it’s now, it’s so much easier for me to go to different countries. Living in Canada, it’s a big deal to go to Europe. Yeah, it’s

Emily Bron: far away, it’s expensive, but time wise, and I’m really happy to understand that you found your place at this period of time and I believe it will be for long.

It’s actually matching your expectation. I believe you find the place where you can express your freedom and Freedom of creation, freedom of thought, freedom to live your life as you wish.

Juliana Kolesova: Yes, I believe so. And who knows, life is unpredictable. Who knows what happens

Emily Bron: next, right? Yes, as I say, we are living in very interesting times of changes, but I believe this muscle of adaptation this actual open mindedness For the changes which are coming or might come and affect us, it’s very important to, to develop.

And I’m very thankful for your time. I was happy to see you. And I’m looking forward to the new stories, to the new project, whatever is or will be in your mind. Because now I know. For sure, that you are you’re growing, you are developing, you, I can expect many changes from you, I would say. Thank you so much.

Thank you. Thank you. Good luck to you in all what you are doing. Enjoy the nature, enjoy solitude, which you do probably sometimes, enjoy new people. I will, and you’re welcome to visit us. Thank you. New people, new faces, new ideas. And sometimes I’m looking for the place still living in Toronto when I know it’s not island because I know I cannot survive an island, inhabited island, but some place to be away from this big and sometimes devastating changes, how I feel it.

And just to keep. my own kind of sanity and wholeness and my own personality as I understand it. And I believe you found your place who knows, nobody knows what’s going to be, but you have already new, if not roots, branches in Montenegro.

Juliana Kolesova: Thank you so much. Thank you, Emily, for having me.

Thank you. See you soon. Hopefully.

Juliana Kolesova

A Toronto based artist and illustrator. She was born in Kazakhstan and received a Masters in Fine Art and Design from the Moscow School of Applied Arts. Juliana has created nearly a thousand illustrations and book covers for publishers in the USA, Canada and Europe, and her artistic abilities have been recognized through numerous national and international awards for illustrations and photography.

Juliana Kolesova – Weaving Magic into Artistry

In the vibrant world of modern illustrators, Juliana Kolesova stands out with a distinct style that is as enchanting as it is evocative. Russian-born and stocked with an innate talent for visual storytelling, Juliana’s artwork transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, speaking directly to the heart of viewers through its delicate, detail-rich compositions. Her unique approach to visual storytelling, often incorporating elements of fantasy and whimsy, sets her apart in the industry.

Walking through the digital gallery of Juliana’s work at julianakolesova.crevado.com, one is instantly transported into a realm that marries the aesthetic sensibilities of classical art with contemporary creativity. Her portfolio is a tapestry of illustrious figures, whimsical scenes, and palpable emotion, suggesting a depth of understanding of art and the human experience.

Juliana’s work with Second Story Press is a testament to her ability to create illustrations that are both accessible and sophisticated, ensuring that young readers feel included and valued. Her art serves as a gentle guide, leading the imagination into worlds of wonder and learning.

Juliana’s repertoire includes children’s book art and cover designs for various genres, such as the whimsical illustrations for ‘The Secret Garden’ and the striking cover design for ‘The Alchemist ‘. These works are remarkable for their ability to encapsulate the core of the book’s theme with just one look. Clients and art enthusiasts can explore a curated selection of her illustrations on her page on Shannon Associates’ website, where her portfolio pieces showcase an emphasis on character and setting—a signature of her commitment to the narrative form (Shannon Associates).

Having honed her craft with a Master’s in Painting and Teaching from the Moscow State University of Arts (named after S. Stroganov), Juliana brings academic precision to her instinctive artistic flair. This blend of discipline and passion is evident in her work, with precise lines and thoughtful colour choices creating a sensory feast for the eyes.

Juliana’s art captivates with its striking and harmonious use of colour and light, inspiring and uplifting the audience. Each piece she creates is a story unto itself, a testament to her understanding that everyone and everything has a tale to tell.

With recognition and accolades from a career spanning over two decades, Juliana Kolesova continues to contribute magnificently to the universe of art—a universe she enriches with every brush stroke. Whether used for teaching, enjoyment or simply to illustrate the beauty of exploration, her art remains a stalwart reminder of the potency of visual storytelling and the universal language of beauty.

For those intrigued by Juliana Kolesova’s narrative depth and sheer artistry, a visit to her displayed collections online reaffirms that the art of illustration is alive and continually redefined through the visions of artists like her. We invite you to explore her work, and perhaps, consider commissioning a piece that resonates with you.