Tell us about your window installation… This window shows the movement in our lives - our emotions, our reflections, how everything affects one another. It’s made for people who might carry this constant motion and chaos of thoughts inside their heads. I want viewers to see themselves in it, and maybe it will help someone reach out for support. I want people to understand that everyone sometimes has chaos in their mind, and we can’t always handle everything on our own.
What/who inspires your art?
I think this theme came to me for a reason. At that time, I was in a kind of suspended, depressive state. So, understanding this topic while being in that moment inspired me to express feelings that many people have - this visual story isn’t just mine.
Talk us through your design process… I was thinking about how, at different times in life, we see ourselves differently in the mirror. A mirror reflects how we feel about ourselves in that moment - it’s a reflection of emotions that constantly change. I tried to break human figures as if they were reflected in different mirrors, playing with light and shadow. I experimented with colour and light to make the illustration deeper.
SHEET Issue 17’s Theme is ‘Reflection’ - how important is it for us all to take time to reflect on our work and ourselves?
I think reflection is necessary today, because we can easily lose ourselves in constant movement and flow. It’s important to find ourselves again so we don’t fall apart into small pieces.
Describe in 1 word how it feels to see your artwork come to life in a store window?
Life.
SHEET: In The Booth w/ Issue 17 Contributor, Veta Yatsenko
Taking a moment to reflect... for World Mental Health Day on 10.10.25, we’ve teamed up with SHEET contributor and illustrator Veta Yatsenko (@yatsenkoveta) to bring a window installation exploring Issue 17's theme ‘Reflection’ to life at our UO Oxford Street store. We hope it inspires a pause, a thought, or a conversation. Read on to find out more.
What message or emotion do you hope people take away when they see your installation?
I want everyone to see this image through their own emotional prism. And if someone really feels like they’re falling apart - please know you’re not alone. I want to support and hug you through this work.
What role do you think art and design play in shaping conversations around mental health and reflection?
The creative industry, especially the visual one, has a huge influence on people. You don’t have to shout to talk about self-reflection or mental health. People read images quickly and can feel something personal in them - something that might make them think or reflect. Many don’t have time for articles or podcasts, but you don’t need much time to feel the visual art.
Are there any hidden elements or personal touches in the design that people may not notice at first glance?
This illustration is like a labyrinth of hidden details. It was made so everyone can find something special and read it in their own way - just like we see ourselves differently in the mirror every day.
What’s next for you - any projects or ideas you’re excited to explore after this collaboration?
This collaboration inspired me to create not just interesting illustrations, but stories that will speak to many. I want to work on projects that can help people through difficult moments.
Advice you'd like to give other emerging artists?
Don’t be afraid to be yourself and to express your emotions and voice through art. I believe there will always be people who will understand it.
I want everyone to see this image through their own emotional prism. And if someone really feels like they’re falling apart - please know you’re not alone. I want to support and hug you through this work.
What role do you think art and design play in shaping conversations around mental health and reflection?
The creative industry, especially the visual one, has a huge influence on people. You don’t have to shout to talk about self-reflection or mental health. People read images quickly and can feel something personal in them - something that might make them think or reflect. Many don’t have time for articles or podcasts, but you don’t need much time to feel the visual art.
Are there any hidden elements or personal touches in the design that people may not notice at first glance?
This illustration is like a labyrinth of hidden details. It was made so everyone can find something special and read it in their own way - just like we see ourselves differently in the mirror every day.
What’s next for you - any projects or ideas you’re excited to explore after this collaboration?
This collaboration inspired me to create not just interesting illustrations, but stories that will speak to many. I want to work on projects that can help people through difficult moments.
Advice you'd like to give other emerging artists?
Don’t be afraid to be yourself and to express your emotions and voice through art. I believe there will always be people who will understand it.