Viktorina Savelyeva — postcards as works of art
On Thursday, November 27, as part of the Russian-speaking seniors’ program at Ottawa’s Jewish Family Services on Carling Avenue, a remarkable event took place.
It is impossible to resonate with everyone — and that’s normal. Yet each person brought into our lives leaves us with something that becomes part of our own puzzle… Time. Life’s stages. Years. Is the time spent waiting ever justified? Is it worth devoting time to hobbies that not everyone appreciates? Everyone asks themselves these questions sooner or later.
VICTORINA YURIEVNA SAVELYEVA, an 87-year-old Ottawa resident, came to JFS today to share the story of her creative journey, show the results of her artistic exploration, and speak about intellectual property. The special guest prepared a presentation titled “From Engineer in the Soviet Union to Artist-Designer in Canada,” showcasing photos from her family website and handmade cards.
She calls this period of her life a time of reflection. Energetic, creative, confident, stylish — she looks far younger than her age. Her many ideas have come to life and continue to do so. Well into her 80s, she uses a computer with ease, communicates with artificial intelligence, has mastered digital design, builds websites, and gladly teaches anyone who wants to learn. She regularly participates in art exhibitions in Montreal and Ottawa and has created several thousand unique postcards and mixed-media artworks.
In her creations she uses a wide range of materials: flower petals, dried leaves and grasses, silk, chiffon, lace fragments, cotton, mirror pieces, and much more, forming unique and recognizable compositions. In essence, she has developed her own style, visible in every piece. Remaining true to it, Madame Savelyeva amazes with her productivity and abundance of new ideas. Her presentation today was generous and inspiring.
Everything we send into the lives of others eventually returns to us. Perhaps this is the secret of creative longevity? On a gloomy November day, her presentation gave warmth and comfort to everyone present.
Thank you, dear Viktorina Yurievna! Thank you to the organizers!
https://www.amazzzingcards.com/
Marina Kochetova