Today we’d like to introduce you to Iryna Stroganova.
Hi Iryna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in the city of Dnipro, Ukraine–part of the former Soviet Union. I was fascinated with art my whole life. When I was twelve, I enrolled in a youth art school. I dropped out of public school, and shocked and disappointed my parents by enrolling in a vocational college for master painting and theatre scenic, set, and prop design. After graduation I enrolled at the University of Oles’ Gonchar for Graphic Design–graduating with a Specialist Degree (equivalent to a Master’s), I worked as an interior designer after graduating, with an international team of members from Ukraine, Russia, and Scotland.
In 2007, I immigrated to the United States, and started my own art business, Supernova Art Studio, while working a day job at a pizza parlor. After gaining my citizenship in 2018, I expanded my business to include Supernova Productions, with Joey Skidmore. Now, we not only promote art openings, but also concerts (such as Skid-O-Rama in Kansas City), film promotion, and other forms of media.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has never been a smooth road! I was the second member of my immediate family (after my dad) to step on the United States’ soil. It happened seven days before my 21st birthday. I had to get a special permission from Missouri Senator Jean Carnahan to immigrate on a family green-card, before my 21st–or I would be ineligible.
When I arrived here, I had a broad knowledge of art, literature, and science; however, my knowledge about my understanding of personal relationships and gender issues was very limited. Numerous dysfunctional romantic relationships definitely put me behind, due to a sad lack of knowledge. It’s always a challenge to stay on track, and keep learning despite a difficult, emotionally-damaging situation. I also came here with very little money, no job, and nothing but two duffel-bags full of clothing, and art supplies.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My skills run the gamut. I specialize in everything from abstracts, science fiction, fantasy and horror art, to portraits, city-scapes, and even eggshell mosaics. I even do dog and cat portraits, as well as people portraits for commission! Working on the third issue of my fantasy-horror comic book, “Sunflowers Follow the Moon!” To purchase copies, or order ANY kind of commission work, please email me at [email protected], or look for Supernova Art Studio on Facebook, or Instagram. I’m also starting a more edgy, adult-oriented site called “Supernova After Dark,” on Patreon, featuring a combination of biting, political satire, and even some marginally sexually-explicit comic book fantasy art and underground humor.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I really love cats!
Pricing:
- $15.00 USD to $15,000 USD
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernovaartstudious/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=supernova%20art%20studio
