BIO

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Yana (StRukche) was born in Sofia, Bulgaria in 1979. Shortly after the communist block fell in 1989 her family immigrated to Greece. A few years later she and her brother immigrated to America. 

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Having moved frequently as a child, Yana’s connection with her imaginative world was the constant in her life. Her creative work provided solace and became a fundamental tool in the exploration and release of emotions, as well as a much important regular dose of laughter and silliness through tough times. Yana’s art served her as a means to heal and grow, and offers the same for her collectors.​ 

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A deep inner yearning prompted her to change academic direction in 2017 during her first year at Antioch University Seattle and go on to complete her BA in Unschooling the Artist Within, followed by a Masters in Adult Education and Artpreneurship. In late 2019 Yana enrolled in Mark Kang-O'Higgins Contemporary Art Atelier at Gage Academy of Arts. Here she completed one year of study and gave life to the most creatures she had ever before. They adorned canvases, wood panels, paper and made their way into sculptures.

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Currently, Yana lives in Seattle with her partner. Here she spends her time creating and being a channel for the whimsical, quirky and amusing characters and creatures that decide to come through and show in her work. 

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Yana is forever grateful for her daughters and their constant flow of inspiration, love and silliness.

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