Why Valerie Ogorodnyk is on a Mission to Heal Through Art Therapy

A Journey Rooted in Art, Exploration, and Cosmic Connection

Valerie’s passion for art was kindled during her childhood in Crimea, a place known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Growing up, she was surrounded by artists from Ukraine and Armenia, who nurtured her creative spirit. Despite being born into a family focused on finance, Valerie chose to follow her passion for visual arts. She pursued formal education in Visual Communication at the Kharkiv State Academy of Art and later earned a Bachelor's in Visual Arts from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

These early experiences set the foundation for her artistic journey, marked by a desire to explore self-expression through various mediums, including video, concept photography, and performance art. Her time at Monash University allowed her to refine her skills and broaden her understanding of visual storytelling, laying the groundwork for her future work as a graphic designer, branding expert, and art therapist.

Cassiopeian Soul: Guiding Valerie's Higher Purpose

Valerie's deep connection to the Cassiopeian constellation influences her journey and mission. In spiritual lore, souls from Cassiopeia are known to be strategic thinkers, empathetic guides, and champions of justice and harmony. They carry a vibrant, warm energy, resonating with a passion for uplifting others and creating meaningful connections. This cosmic energy aligns with Valerie’s own traits: a visionary who sees potential in everyone and a leader who knows how to navigate complex emotional landscapes.

Valerie embodies these qualities by using art as a bridge—a way to connect people with their inner selves and to promote healing. The Cassiopeian ethos of empathy, wisdom, and cosmic awareness is reflected in her approach, which emphasizes understanding, support, and transformation. This connection to her soul origin inspires her to view the world not just as it is, but as it could be, filled with infinite possibilities and potential for growth.

Transforming Personal Challenges into Purpose

Life’s trials often serve as catalysts for growth, and for Valerie, this was especially true. Navigating the challenges of divorce and single motherhood during a global pandemic pushed her to seek solace and healing through yoga, meditation, breathwork, and art. These practices became more than just tools for personal healing—they became the building blocks of her mission to help others navigate their own struggles.

The Covid-19 pandemic provided Valerie with a moment of introspection, allowing her to reconnect with her spiritual roots and explore new forms of self-discovery. It was during this transformative period that she found clarity about her life’s direction. She recognized that her healing journey could be shared with others, inspiring the creation of Active Kreative, an innovative art therapy platform designed to support emotional wellness and self-expression.

A Call to Action During a Time of Crisis

The tragic events in Ukraine in February 2022 marked a turning point in Valerie’s life. Expecting her second child, she was deeply affected by the invasion of Ukraine, where her own brother was caught in the midst of the conflict. This moment became a call to action, compelling her to dedicate her skills and energy to empower and uplift others.

Valerie began working with Ukrainian refugees who had relocated to Australia, providing them with art therapy sessions to help them adjust to their new lives. This initiative was not just about offering support—it was about creating a sense of community and belonging for those who had been displaced and traumatized. Through art, Valerie provided a safe space for expression, where individuals could process their emotions and begin the journey of rebuilding their lives.

Active Kreative: A Platform for Healing Through Art

Valerie’s vision for Active Kreative goes beyond conventional therapy. She has developed a unique art therapy methodology that integrates transpersonal psychology, neurographics, and flow psychology, creating a holistic approach to emotional healing and personal growth. Whether through guided sessions or self-exploration, Active Kreative encourages individuals to tap into their creativity as a way to navigate their inner worlds, fostering a sense of purpose, clarity, and strength.

One of the platform’s core missions is to offer support to families and individuals affected by conflict, particularly those impacted by the events in Ukraine. Valerie’s empathetic leadership and commitment to community service are at the heart of Active Kreative’s success. By using art as a therapeutic tool, she has been able to bridge cultural and emotional gaps, helping people find hope and healing through creative expression.

Empathy, Vision, and Strategic Leadership

Valerie’s strength lies in her ability to see potential where others may see obstacles. She describes herself as a visionary, driven by the belief that life is full of infinite possibilities. This mindset has been key to her success, not only as an art therapist but also as a marketing manager and branding expert with over 15 years of experience. Her ability to combine creative vision with strategic thinking has allowed her to build platforms and communities that are both impactful and sustainable.

Valerie’s experience in branding and visual communication has been instrumental in the development of Active Kreative. She understands the importance of creating a platform that is both accessible and engaging, ensuring that her message of healing through art reaches those who need it most. Her expertise in concept development, digital strategy, and visual design has allowed her to craft a brand that resonates deeply with diverse audiences, making Active Kreative a beacon of hope for many.

The Mission: Healing Through Connection and Cosmic Creativity

Valerie Ogorodnyk’s mission is clear: to empower individuals by helping them reconnect with their inner selves through art. She believes that creativity is a powerful tool for self-expression, healing, and transformation. Her work with Ukrainian refugees is just one example of how she uses her skills and empathy to create positive change, but her vision extends much further. Through Active Kreative, she aims to reach people from all walks of life, offering them the opportunity to explore their emotions, overcome challenges, and find peace.

Her podcast, Perspectives, is an extension of this mission. By creating a space for discussions on mental wellness, creativity, and holistic living, Valerie continues to inspire others to explore their unique potential and embrace the healing power of art. The podcast serves as a platform for sharing inspirational insights and transformative conversations, guiding listeners on their journey of self-discovery and well-being.

Painting the World With Hope, Creativity, and Cosmic Connection

Valerie Ogorodnyk’s life journey is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and empathy. From the tranquil landscapes of Crimea to the dynamic, multicultural city of Melbourne, she has used her experiences to craft a mission that is deeply personal yet universally relevant. Through Active Kreative, Valerie is painting the world with love, hope, and the healing power of art, one brushstroke at a time.

Her connection to her Cassiopeian soul infuses her work with a sense of universal harmony, strategic insight, and compassion, guiding her to be a beacon for those seeking healing. As she often says, “Focus where you want your energy to go,” a reminder that the direction of our energy shapes our reality. Join her on this journey, and discover the transformative power of art therapy with Active Kreative. 🌈