Artist Statement

I enjoy expressing the world around me through my paintings, and I love putting the reality of everyday life on the canvas using colors and shapes. The purpose of my art is to inspire people to see the hidden beauty in the simplicity of their surroundings. Too often we are waiting for miracles, but forgetting to look right in front of us. There is a lot of beauty in everyday life! In order to notice it, we simply need to pause, look around…and maybe ask yourself a question: what brings richness to my life? As a child, I wanted to become an artist, but didn’t go for my dreams. This is not an uncommon story. Born and raised in Russia, Siberia, I’ve spent most of my life working in the corporate world as a lawyer. After more than 15 years of a successful career in Moscow, I made the decision to move to Riga, Latvia in the search of new ways to fulfill my dreams.

“If not now, then when?”- I thought. “Life is full of challenges anyway.”

Latvia is the place where I became inspired by the colorful imagery of my surroundings and completely fell in love with painting.

The fall of 2019 was one of the happiest and most fulfilling periods in my life. I had an opportunity to travel across the ocean and witness the incredible beauty of the east coast of America, and my art was seen by the eyes of distinguished American viewers. Three years in America taught me how to enjoy the change, as well as anticipating the transformation. I continue to transfer the beauty of the surrounding reality onto the canvas / silk, and get incredible pleasure from it. 

I used to paint mostly in oil, but a couple of years ago I tried painting with special inks on silk, and I really liked it. Silk is, in my opinion, the most refined and lively material, and paintings on it are very special.

I passionately believe that love and beauty will make our world a better place.

- Lidia Mikhaylova

Previous 2023 Exhibits

January/February

Jodee Hickcox  

Taking Back Myself: One Piece at a Time

March/April

Carolyn Maul

The Art of Ecoprinting

May/June

Sandra Golbert

Fabrications

July/August

Susan King

Food for Thought

September/October

Jackie Hanson

Human / Nature: Pastel Landscapes