YELENA SAMOUKOVA’SBIOGRAPHY

Early Beginnings

Yelena was born in one of the most beautiful cities in the world: Saint Petersburg, often called the "Venice of the North". This city is the cultural capital of Russia and although she loves Montréal very much, she said, "I miss my birthplace and I hope it misses me in return".

Yelena began painting in early childhood, guided by the keen eye of her grandmother—a wise, loving, and gently strict woman—who recognized Yelena's natural artistic talent while she was still in kindergarten. Determined to nurture this gift, her grandmother insisted she enroll in a children's art school. It was there that Yelena discovered her lifelong passion for art. Yelena remains eternally grateful to her grandmother.

Artistic Education

In 1990, she applied to the Academy of Art and Design of Vera Mukhina at Saint Petersburg as a student in the Department of Manufacturing of Art Textiles. Yelena was extremely fortunate to have been accepted to this fine and prestigious Russian Academy.

New Horizons

After Yelena's arrival in Canada in 1999, she yearned to express her deep respect, tenderness and appreciation of the Russian culture so she decided to make a series of pen and ink drawings. In these, she incorporated her childhood memories and the concept of a Woman who needs peace and tranquility and protects her Home and Children.

Yelena's art mirrors her vision of Love, Happiness and Wisdom. In 2005, these drawings were part of her Personal Art exhibition in Beaconsfield, Québec, Canada. She called it the "Black and White Rainbow" exhibition receiving a lot of exposure and publicity.

In 2005, she became a Canadian citizen. Yelena's new home, Canada has given her a wonderful opportunity to display her art. Yelena has great pride in being both Russian and Canadian; however, she has even greater pride in being a citizen of the world.

Recognition

In January 2007, Yelena was awarded a prize for her graphic work "Black and White Rainbow" at the First Moscow International Festival, held in the iconic Red Square. Her art continues to be showcased regularly, both in Canada and across Europe.

Later that year, in November 2007, she presented her "Golden Rainbow" exhibition at the Russian Consulate in Montréal. This milestone led to a prestigious honor: in January 2008, Yelena was invited to sign Montréal's "Golden Book" at City Hall—an accolade reserved for distinguished contributors to the city's cultural life. She remains the only Russian artist to have received this recognition.