Symbiosis of Work and Creativity at TNMU

Many talented and creative people work and study at I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University. A young artist Oksana Bacha, the Laboratory Assistant of the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry of TNMU, in her creative approach relies on the emotional component trusting her intuition and own artistic worldview. She was born and raised in Ternopil; studied at the secondary school No. 22. In 2008 she graduated from the Faculty of Chemistry and Biology of V. Hnatiuk Ternopil National Pedagogical University. Since 2010 Oksana Bacha has been taking a position of a Laboratory Assistant at the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry.

Life credo is “The most important thing in life is to be a kind, sensitive person, who does not dream of only material gains”.

– When did you start painting?

– In fact, the story is quite ordinary, I have been drawing since childhood. I’ve got my skills from my father; he was my first teacher and critic. At an early childhood, my father loved to draw, so he supported me in such a childish passion. His father’s brother, the artist Adam Bacha, founded a studio of fine arts in Chervonohrad, adviced and guided young artists.

– How do you manage to combine work and hobbies?

– In fact, it is not difficult, because you will always find time for what you really want, what you strive for; you do not need to look for thousands of excuses and explanations, but only opportunity and free time. I like my work and the fact that I can combine it with my hobby, which inspires me, gives me energy and brings pleasure. And everyone notices it, especially me.

– Do you want to make your own exhibition?

– I think all artists dream about it, but only wish is not enough for this. It’s a huge amount of work: to gather the right amount of noteworthy works, design them, a lot of organizational issues. I hope someday I will succeed it.

– Who is your favourite artist?

– Probably Thomas Kincaid, the American artist, who described himself as an “artist of light|”. His tough life story and extremely bright, warm works impressed me.

– Do your relatives support you in your desire to draw?

– When it came time to choose a profession, thoughts about drawing seemed frivolous. Nowadays, if you can draw, you can realize yourself not only as an artist but also in book illustration, or retrain as a designer. At that time the specialty of Fine Arts seemed to be hopeless. Parents asked to choose something more practical, and to leave drawing for my soul and to master it in free time.

– What do you most often depict in your paintings?

– It depends on inner desire, inspiration. I love to draw nature, cats; lately I’m working on paintings on religion.

– Tell us about your last picture and how you create a creative atmosphere for work?

– I worked on a picture of a beautiful cat at the request of my colleague. I like to paint to light, calm music. Even if I am in a bad mood, I’ll definitely feel better when I start painting.

– Do you present your paintings? What is their future?

– Most often I present my paintings. I like to watch people’s emotions when they first see the picture I drew for them. Their surprise, joy, pleasure inspire me to learn, improve, work harder.

– How do your colleagues feel about your hobby?

– A special pleasure is the support of my colleagues. Although all people are different as well as their worldview. This is typical, as some are more interested and ask to show the latest work, some say well done, because I found a task for my soul. I have never heard negative comments. Our team in very nice, and it is comfortable to work in it.

– How would your friends and colleagues describe you?

– I think they would say that I am even-tempered, creative, romantic. Quite often, my friends and colleagues say that I am more of an artist than a biologist.

Artist’s advice: “If you want to be creative, if you really like it, study, draw, search, try and do not listen to anyone. There is no other person like you, and no one else draws the way you do.”

Solomiya Hnatyshyn, TNMU Journalist

Photos by Mykola Vasylechko and the artist