Katya Belilovsky

I grew up in Moscow, Russia. Picture the 80s in the USSR—a country that exists now only in memories. Socialism gifted me with free education and an abundance of extracurricular activities sponsored by the institutions where both my engineer parents worked. I delved into four years of guitar classes, dabbled in drama studios, joined various sports sections, and sang in a choir. Despite harboring a deep desire to paint and draw, my parents, deeming the competition too fierce, steered me away from specialized art education during my school years.

Graduating high school in the tumultuous 90s in Moscow painted a different reality. It’s challenging to encapsulate the essence of that era, where every day unfolded as a new adventure. Although I aspired to be an art historian, the practicality of this academic pursuit in the evolving landscape became evident. My father, sensing the winds of change, gifted me an analog camera, and my photographic journey began.

As the digital era emerged, the industry I knew transformed. Transitioning from film to digital, photographers navigated an unfamiliar terrain. In the late ’90s, I freelanced for prominent magazines like Cosmo, Vogue, and Playboy, capturing the vibrant spirit of the time. In 1998, my husband and I decided to embark on a new chapter, moving to Canada. We arrive to Toronto in March, 2001.

However, the rapidly advancing digital realm didn’t align with my passion for pure, tangible photography. I observed the industry evolve, where digital production demanded extensive Photoshop skills. Realizing that this wasn’t my desired path, I decided to step back to ponder what to do next. I also needed to focus on my growing family.

In 2003, with a longing to pursue my childhood dream, I enrolled in an evening adult art class in a neighborhood school in Toronto. Today, my artistic journey is a testament to the evolution from a vibrant Soviet past to over two decades in Canada. I continue to travel with my camera, occasionally indulging in the nostalgia of analog Polaroids—a cherished link to my artistic roots. My decision to veer away from a photography career in Canada seamlessly led me to where I stand today—an artist inspired by a lifetime of experiences and a perpetual love for the craft.