Ukrainian-American artist debuts collection to raise funds for Ukraine orgs

Missoula, Montana – Visual and tattoo artist Anka Lavriv has teamed up with textile studio Western Sensibility to raise money for Ukraine organizations through a new pillow collection.

Lavriv, a Ukrainian American known for her linework illustrations and tattoos, created two designs for this initiative: Lev and Lybid.

“Lev was inspired by Ukrainian artist Mariya Prymachenko and I love the way her work captures the playfulness of Ukrainian culture,” Lavriv says. “Some people think of folk art as being primitive but I’ve always been drawn to the raw imagination, honesty and directness of the image because it bypasses overthinking or intellectualizing and takes you to the emotion.”

Lybid came about because Lavriv has always been inspired by female birds depicted in Slavic folklore, and sees “them as a symbol of resistance and rebirth. It’s believed that these women birds bring the traditional Ukrainian pysanka painted eggs to heaven as prayers and to me Lybid represents hope for Ukraine’s future.”

Made with a hypoallergenic insert, each pillow measures 20 by 20 inches and features a micro-denier, vegan fiber. All proceeds will be donated to Kharkiv Help and the Ivan Honchar Museum, which is working to collect and safeguard historical and cultural Ukrainian artworks.

“We’re beyond honored to be collaborating with Anka Lavriv on this vital initiative to raise aid for Ukraine,” says Kathryn Sanders, founder, Western Sensibility. “Her ode to Ukrainian folk art deeply moves us and helps us stay focused on Ukraine’s rich culture during this horrific time.”