I am Hanna Krainik, an artist and cinematographer from Ukraine, currently working at St. Ambrose University. My paintings reflect the war in Ukraine—a deeply personal and painful subject for me. Through my art, I strive to convey the profound pain and resilience that every Ukrainian experiences daily. I work with acrylic paints, a medium I grew familiar with during my time in an iconography workshop at a men’s monastery in Odesa, Ukraine. This foundation has influenced my approach, combining traditional techniques with expressive, contemporary themes. My goal is to help viewers connect with the emotional reality of my homeland, to feel the weight of the ongoing tragedy, and to foster understanding and empathy. Every brushstroke carries a story, a memory, and a plea not to forget the struggles of my people.