Janelle Knihnitski is a Canadian Ukrainian artist. Her art embodies a rhythmic quality and energetic expression reflecting her connection to Ukrainian culture, fashion and movement.
When Janelle isn’t making art you’ll probably find her backcountry camping with messy hair as wild as wildflowers. Always looking for whales, listening to vintage french music and perhaps sipping on a glass of wine.
Vinok and Concept by Janelle Knihnitski | Photography by Mark Siller
About JK
As a 4th generation Ukrainian growing up in Saskatchewan, Janelle has been provided with the opportunity to be immersed in Ukrainian culture. She competitively Ukrainian danced for 28 years and 9 of those years was with the Yevshan Ukrainian Folk Ballet Ensemble where she performed locally and toured internationally. Some memorable experiences include performing for Queen Elizabeth II and touring in Ukraine.
As a young girl; Janelle was fascinated with art, dance, fashion and dreamed of a creative career. Janelle is always inspired to discover new skills that nurture her creative endeavours, through personal exploration or from community classes and university programs. Her first impactful memory of learning art was in grade 4 when her teacher Mrs. Thompson taught the class how to draw a 3-dimensional house – this is still her #1 go-to doodle.
After moving to Vancouver, BC and graduating from Fashion Merchandising and Marketing at Blanche MacDonald, Janelle specialized in the creative role of Visual Merchandising. Showcasing exclusive products, establishing collections and elevating visual displays has brought her continued success in the fashion retail industry holding multiple VM roles and eventually landing her a role at the multinational corporation LVMH for Louis Vuitton.
Janelle’s art draws on her years of cultural experiences, Ukrainian dance and fashion expertise. Through the use of a variety of mediums, she has developed her own style by combining elements of vibrant colors, curvilinear form and bold compositions to create original art and commissions. Key artwork showcases include; exhibitions at Folkfest and fashion art shows in Saskatoon as well as international dance venues in places like Ukraine.
Janelle hopes to showcase just how beautiful Ukrainian culture is with her modern folk art.
Thank you for supporting a small Canadian business along with a dream to honour this rich culture that many connect with deeply.