From Russia with love

BY HOLLIE WATSON

The bittersweet journey that is life is fraught with challenges, obstacles to overcome, and triumphs to be savoured. These are truths to which Dollard des Ormeaux resident Yelena Samoukova can readily testify.

The featured solo artist at Kirkland Library, who recently won an international arts award, has conquered incredible odds since she was left paralyzed and mute by a massive stroke in 2001. Two years earlier, the Russian émigré and her family had bid farewell to their native country to embark on a new life in a new land.

“But after my stroke, everything changed dramatically,” said Samoukova, who until then had enjoyed a successful career as an artist. Her marriage broke down and a rancorous custody battle for her daughter ensued, during which time she was confined to a wheelchair and just starting a gruelling recovery process. Through intensive therapy, she learned how to use her left hand to draw and to paint, and has since resumed her calling as an artist.

“Where there’s a will there’s a way,” the single mother said philosophically, adding “art is my destiny.”

It was Nov. 2005 when Samoukova’s graphics and pen-and-ink collages were showcased at Beaconsfield Library in her first solo exhibit.“Now my work is in the permanent collection at Stewart Hall, in the Pointe Claire YMCA café, and other places on the West Island.”

Three weeks ago, Samoukova returned elated from Moscow, where she participated in the First Moscow International Festival of Art, earning one of the top awards for her entry in the graphics category.

“It was a very prestigious event held in Red Square, with artists from many countries,” she said.

She had been invited to take part in the competition by the president of the festival, Vera Kiselyova, who she met while on a visit there last fall. With her encouragement, Samoukova contacted the airline Transaero, which offered to pay her fare so that she could participate in the festival.

“They made my victory possible.”

The upcoming show in Kirkland is entitled Magic Rainbow in March. “There will be between 30 and 40 pieces on exhibition. Half will be graphics, the other half acrylic and watercolour paintings, all done within the past five years,” she said, adding her style is largely impressionistic.

Subject matter ranges from landscapes and still lifes to portraits and abstracts. Some of the compelling imagery reflects childhood memories as well as other influences, such as aboriginal art, of which she has become enamoured since moving to Canada.

“Women and motherhood are other themes that recur in my work.”

Magic Rainbow will be held March 4 to 16 at Kirkland Library, 17100 Hymus Blvd. The vernissage is Sunday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.