An Interview with Nurture Participant Vera Hylands
As our Nuture incubation programme finishes at the end of this month we wanted to take the opportunity to ask our participants about themselves, their creative practice and what they have learnt.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your creative work?
My name is Vera, I’m an artist and a creative person originally from Russia, now living in Northern Ireland. I work mostly with watercolor, pastel, colored pencils, and sometimes collage or embroidery. I’m drawn to nature, especially plants, flowers, birds, and underwater shapes. My art is usually semi-abstract — I’m not trying to paint things realistically, I’m more interested in the feeling or atmosphere. A lot of my work comes from a quiet place, or from a personal emotional experience.
Can you tell us about any projects you are currently working on?
At the moment, I’m working on a small series of handmade sketchbooks — with my own designs and artwork — that I want to finish by hand and sell at a local market. I’m also painting a lot of abstract floral pieces and experimenting with combining painting and embroidery. Sometimes I film short videos or share little creative moments on Patreon. I usually have a few things going on at the same time — that’s just how I work best.
How has your creative idea evolved over the duration of this project?
When I joined Blick, I came with an idea about making a series of works about restoring forests in Northern Ireland. It was something that felt meaningful to me at the time. But during the project I realised that I can’t really limit myself to one theme or structure. I work better when I follow my curiosity — some days I want to paint, some days I write or make videos or work on a physical object. The project helped me understand that this way of working is also valid, and that I don’t need to force myself into a strict shape.
What have you learnt about yourself and your creative idea?
I’ve learnt that I need variation — if I stay inside one project too long, I lose energy. I don’t work well under pressure or with fixed expectations. I need to feel some lightness and play. I also realised how important it is for me to connect with other creative people, and to be part of something local and real. Before Blick, I felt quite isolated, especially after moving from Russia to Banbridge. But through this project I found a bit of grounding, and more confidence in how I work.
What are your plans for the future?
I want to keep developing my practice slowly — making more finished pieces, exploring handmade books, prints, maybe even combining embroidery and painting more. I’m also building a new website. I hope to take part in more local markets and exhibitions.
Where can people find you online?
I share my process and honest creative moments on Patreon as Vera Hylands or my instagram @verahylands, and I’m working on my new website too. My work is also currently available in Arts4All Gallery in Belfast.
