Our most recent Certificate of Excellence winner is Mariya Matviyenko, a student of Drawing and Painting with the London Art College.
We feel we should make her story widely known – here is her tutor’s account.
Based in Odessa, Ukraine, Mariya Matviyenko began her diploma course in Drawing & Painting in late December 2021. As her tutor, it was immediately clear to me she was diligent, focused and also very talented, possessing excellent observation, drawing and painting skills from day one. Art was definitely more than just a passing interest or hobby for her!
As we are all now very much aware, her country was turned upside down late February 2022 with the Russian invasion.
Despite the threats and fears imposed by the war, including regular power cuts, she maintained her creative focus and momentum with her work, often submitting more than required and always to an excellent standard. She told me once that art was ‘her rescue’.
So, apart from being one of the most talented and dedicated students I have had the pleasure of tutoring through the course, she has also managed to do it in the face of constant danger, mental pressure and uncertainty. Mariya passed her diploma with Distinction on the 23rd December 2022.
We are very proud of the achievements of all our students, but this story is quite exceptional