Babayagada Shop

I love finding artists from different parts of the world on Etsy. I feel for the most part, their point of view is different. Lena’s point of view in her artwork is captivating, and the energy takes you to a different dimension. There are statement pieces, such as “Mass Media Victims“, which serves as a calling-out media-obsessed American culture. On the other hand, there are pieces like “The Owl, which gives a futuristic feel to beloved owl imagery. Lena shares with us her background, art and other favourite Etsy shops in this interview.

A Brief Background:
My name is Lena Yampolsky. I was born 36 years ago. Astrological sign : Taurus. I live in Israel. I have 12+ years experience as a textile and graphic designer along with being an illustrator. My Etsy Shop is offering for sale high quality prints of my original digital and mixed media artworks. I works in a variety of mediums, constantly experimenting with a new techniques ; often mixing customized photos and textures, my pencil or ink drawings and also found objects with digital manipulation.

I’ve been lived in Israel almost 18 years (I have russian origins and my
native language is Russian). Actually the most of my ancestry trace their descent from Ukraine and Poland, inspite of they lived also in a different regions : Uzbekistan in Middle Asia and Caucasus. I was born and raised in Georgia ( this’s the country in Caucasus region which was a soviet republic in the time of USSR and a part of Russian Impire before the revolution of 1917).So, this melting pot of languages and cultures could
be considered my major inspiration. By the way, my nickname “Baba Yagada” is the invention which came from the russian folk tales but in fact it has more complex meaning. Baba Yaga is a character of ugly old witch. She lives in a deep enchanted forest in a hut with a gigant chicken legs.”Baba” is a demotic word which means “woman”. “Agada” means “tale” in Hebrew. “Yagoda” is “berry” in Russian ( some russian folk idiomatic expression tells “baba yagodka”which means “attractive woman”).

The Interview:

When did you first realise you were an artist?

This is a very good question! This is so powerful and complicated definition! If somebody consider me an artist it’s very flattering indeed ! But I still don’t feel myself an artist. I’m just curious about universe, I’m inspired by this world and flawed human nature. I’m just trying to express my thoughts and feelings creating my pictures. I remember myself drawing something at age of 5. I suppose that was a beginning!

Do you feel it’s hard being an international seller? What are the pros and cons?
I’m honoured to be a part of Etsy community! The most incredible thing of being an international seller is that I’m presenting my work to so different people from various cultural backgrounds. And I’m happy when somebody from another corner of the earth find something interesting in my creations. All before mentioned are certainly the pros. The cons : you have to be more careful, more conscious and involved when you tring to establish yourself as a successful international seller. I’m just a beginner on this way and trying to find my own niche.

What other interests do you have (besides art)?
I’m passionate music lover. I love reading and movies. I love to explore new things : places, cities ,countries, languages etc!

Do you survive solely as an artist, or do you have a day job?
I’ve got a day job. I’m a graphic and textile designer.

How do you get motivated when things get tough?
I’m trying to switch from inappropriate mood ! It’s not easy ! The most successful way is meeting good friends.

Do you like the business aspect of being an artist?
I don’t like the business aspect! I’m definitely not a talented business lady!
But I have to learn!…

What are your favourite Etsy shops?
I love a lot of Etsy Artists!
These are some of them:

Vocisconnesse
Yellena
OctopusMe
Awesomeart
Olofsdotter
Pinkflamingo61
Labokoff
Makye77