get to know our cover artist, yelena bryksenkova

Hello! Who are you and where are you from? My name is Yelena Bryksenkova, and I’m a Russian-american illustrator and fine artist based in Montréal, Canada.

What medium have you used to create this beautiful artwork? Acryla gouache paint on paper. How would you describe your style of art? Detailed, softly textured paintings with a muted colour palette, often depicting quiet, natural and domestic scenes. Where do you find inspiration? I like to visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and have a wonderful collection of art books – plus, Pinterest! What’s your favourite thing to eat on toast?

I love my homemade carrot and citrus marmalade on toast. But my more unusual topping of choice (unless you’re Russian) is red caviar. How do you stay warm and cosy on a chilly day? With a hot cup of milky oolong tea, a pair of woolly Canadian socks and my greyhound Léon snuggled up by my side. Do you listen to or watch anything while painting? I listen to audiobooks and podcasts like Reply All and The Baby-sitters Club Club.

What’s something we should know about you? Every Thursday morning I go to an aqua aerobics class with my mother-in-law. What are you working on right now?

I’m illustrating a self-compassion workbook for teens.