Irina Chaika Seagull

Irina Chaika (artistic pseudonym “Seagull"), born in 1979, is a Ukrainian artist and educator, master of decorative and applied arts and painting, founder of an inclusive art studio in Ukraine and the Miracle Bird studio in Cyprus.

I was born in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, and graduated from the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts, Department of Decorative and Applied Arts. For over 14 years, I have been teaching art to children and adults. My artistic pseudonym, “Seagull," symbolizes freedom, purity, and inspiration. Seascapes, yachts, and sails are my passion, and through this name I feel strength and a deep connection to my mother, Larysa.

In Ukraine, I ran my own inclusive art studio, with over a hundred children and 40 adults, including a special group of children with disabilities. I developed an original art therapy program, which during COVID-19 was adapted for the entire studio. This brought joy and positive emotions to all students and led to the appearance of new students in Cyprus through my online classes.

After relocating to Cyprus, I opened the Miracle Bird studio, where I continue teaching and creating. Teaching inspires me and allows me to grow as an artist while experiencing the unique perspectives and emotions of my students, especially children, who perceive the world so openly and sincerely.

I work with a wide range of techniques. Until 2015, my work focused mainly on textile and decorative arts: tapestries, patchwork, and since 2015 I have actively pursued painting in oil and acrylic, including textured, impasto works, as well as plein air studies. I love experimenting, combining traditional techniques with contemporary approaches, and creating works that convey emotion, light, and joy.

I have participated in collective and solo exhibitions in Cyprus and Ukraine, and my works are held in private collections across Europe and the USA. For me, art is a path to joy, inspiration, and connection with the viewer, through which I share my creative energy and love for the world.