https://Art2Life.com - What do we need in our lives to persevere on our creative path? How do we keep going, and is it ever okay to stop? In the grand scheme of things, how crucial is our art anyway? We might not ask these questions under normal circumstances. But when big, unexpected changes occur in your life, these questions (as well as their answers) can surface.

Alex Parfenov is a brilliant videographer. For several years he’s been working with me and my team creating videos that tell inspirational stories of artists from all over the world. He also happens to live in Ukraine. The recent and ongoing invasion of his country has completely changed his life. Like so many Ukrainians, Alex has recently relocated and was still somehow able to find an internet connection. 

He shares with us the impact these recent events have had on him, his family, and his friends, as well as the clarity he’s gained about the purpose, need, and ongoing viability of creativity in one’s life. The calm vulnerability and steady resolve of Alex’s voice moved me greatly, and it’s a privilege to share this extraordinary conversation with you.

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LISTEN IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN…

Alex recounts his experience of the Russian invasion of Ukraine [2:30]

The courage and beauty of the Ukrainian people in the face of adversity  [7:50]

Using creativity to navigate unimaginable tragedy [13:43]

Ukrainian resilience and more stories from the war [23:05]

How Alex is helping his children process the war [28:41]

The invasion’s impact on Alex as an artist [31:57]

How the world is helping Ukraine and looking towards the country’s future [36:23]

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RESOURCES & WAYS TO HELP UKRAINE

• See what’s happening in Ukraine: https://bank.gov.ua/en/news/all/natsionalniy-bank-vidkriv-rahunok-dlya-gumanitarnoyi-dopomogi-ukrayintsyam-postrajdalim-vid-rosiyskoyi-agresiyi 
• National Bank of Ukraine - Fundraising Account for Humanitarian Assistance to Ukrainians: https://bank.gov.ua/en/news/all/natsionalniy-bank-vidkriv-rahunok-dlya-gumanitarnoyi-dopomogi-ukrayintsyam-postrajdalim-vid-rosiyskoyi-agresiyi 
• Donate to World Central Kitchen and help provide fresh meals to Ukrainian families in need: https://donate.wck.org/give/394390#!/donation/checkout 

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CONNECT WITH ALEX PARFENOV

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex.parfenov/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parfenov.alexander

Alex’s Highlight Reel: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L91ZkSyUnxjOO-GDMbSiICjHpgxmthjD/view?usp=sharing

sharing

Alex’s other work: https://vimeo.com/sptvstudio

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CONNECT WITH NICHOLAS WILTON:

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