Artist

LT

Leonova Tattoo

KORU Gallery, Playa Vista, Culver City

Slavic mythology sleeve ✨🔮 At the top, Chugaister - fierce in appearance yet known in folklore as a protector of those who lose their way in the forest. His hand reaches forward, moments before catching the Mavka - the mysterious forest spirit who enchants wandering souls with her beauty and quiet magic. She hides beneath the trees, half-seen, half-imagined. A woodland sorceress - clever, elusive, impossible not to follow. Upon her crown of thorns sits her loyal companion, a small Lelyk. In front of her rests a Ukrainian woodpecker, a quiet symbol of hope and calm within the forest. Behind them stands the hut of Baba Yaga, watching from the shadows. Guarding the front of the sleeve is the forest keeper the Leshy, protector of the woods, accompanied by his three loyal wolves. I had the honor of creating this project for my friend Derek. Two rounds of three days back-to-back, six sessions in total and this is the story we brought to life. I’m incredibly proud and grateful to have had the chance to translate the mythology of my homeland into art and carry a piece of my culture onto someone’s skin. Thank you for trusting me with this journey, Derek! Couldn’t be happier with this project 🤍