Ukrainian artist Olga Radionova transforms wood, metal and textiles into sculptural works that explore strength, vulnerability and rebirth. From soft sculptures to weapon remnants reborn as flowers, Olga’s practice is both a tactile celebration of material and a profound response to life in a war-torn country. This episode is a powerful meditation on creativity, resilience, and the transformative nature of art.
"I never knew textile could give me so many possibilities. Now, I see no limits or borders to express my creativity – it’s always a journey to somewhere unexpected.".
– Olga Radionova
Takeaways from this episode
- Materials carry memory and potential. Olga’s deep respect for wood and its history – from 125-year-old trees to discarded offcuts – guides her process of revealing, rather than altering, the soul of a material. “Sometimes you just need to clean it and let it be itself.”
- Creativity is a dialogue with the unknown. Olga rarely begins with a fixed outcome. Whether sculpting with bronze or soft filler, she follows the material’s lead, embracing intuition and experimentation to shape each piece. “The material gives you all the necessary understanding.”
- Art can be a form of resistance and renewal. In response to war, Olga transforms remnants of weaponry into floral sculptures – a quiet but profound act of healing and defiance. “This is my contribution to peace. I want to create less of war, and more of life.”
- The making process is sacred. From sanding wood to sewing hundreds of tiny soft forms, Olga finds joy and meaning in the labour of artmaking. "I enjoy the process very much – I feel like I’m falling in love with each piece.”
- Imagination is a powerful connector. Whether viewers see alien forms, sea creatures, or emotional landscapes, Olga invites personal interpretations. Her work sparks wonder and curiosity, offering viewers their own entry point into an imaginary world.
Explore the artwork from this episode below
During the live interview, we shared some images of Olga’s artwork. Since you’re listening to the podcast version, we’ve made these images available for you below.
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