From The Bloc

In this episode Ella talks to Igor Chekachkov, Ukrainian photographer and visual artist.Igor began his career as a photojournalist, documenting cultural events, public life and sport, before moving into the world of art photography. Today, his work explores the relationship between public and private space, technology, identity and the way digital algorithms shape the images we see.Since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, his work has increasingly focused on his Ukrainian identity and the meaning of home during times of war and displacement.His photography has been published in major international outlets including Forbes, National Geographic, The Guardian, Le Monde, Der Spiegel and The Economist. His work has also been exhibited around the world, from Kyiv and Odessa to New York, Liverpool and Paris.Hosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkinsIn collaboration with @izbaartsMarketing and creative content by @al3x_baRecorded at @riddimliferecords with @djdeanlyon

In this episode Ella interviews a London-based photographer and visual artist, Zula Rabikowska.Zula is known for her powerful portraits and documentary photography focused on migration, identity, Eastern Europe and LGBTQI+ communities. Inspired by her Polish heritage, her work shines a light on voices and stories that are too often overlooked.Through intimate and deeply human photography, Zula captures emotion, connection and authenticity in a way that feels both personal and universal.Her work has been exhibited internationally and featured in outlets including the BBC, The Guardian, Rolling Stone and Bloomberg. She’s also received major awards including the Getty Images Grant, the AOP Talent Award and the Earth Photo Moving Image Award.Alongside her creative practice, Zula is the founder of Rethinking Eastern Europe collective. She also teaches photography at Kingston University.You can follow Zula on Instagram @zula.raHosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkinsIn collaboration with @izbaartsPhotography by @anastasia_hasparianMarketing and creative content by @al3x_baRecorded at @riddimliferecords with @djdeanlyon

In this episode Ella is talking to Polina Belenchuk, a London-based collage artist, illustrator, and creative facilitator.Her work prioritises bold self-expression and celebrates individuality and creativity. She sees art as a tool for emotional healing and empowerment. Her creative workshops offer a supportive space to process pain, manage emotions and build confidence.Polina studied Graphic & Media Design at the University of the Arts London and since graduating, she has built a huge following on social media and connected with audiences worldwide.You can follow Polinaa on Instagram @belenchukHosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkinsIn collaboration with @izbaartsPhotography by @anastasia_hasparianMarketing and creative content by @al3x_baRecorded at @riddimliferecords with @djdeanlyon

This episode features Aziza, a London-based Uzbek artist working across textiles, sculpture, new technologies, experimental costume and performance practices. Her projects explore diverse subjects, including migration, displacement, social invisibility, identity, decolonisation, feminism, and loss of language. Aziza is also intrigued by the potential of XR/AR/VR and AI and often uses the new technologies as a tool in her artistic practice.Her work has been exhibited in prestigious galleries from China and Central Asia to Europe and America. She held art workshops at the Italian Biennale, London Somerset House, Victoria & Albert Museum and many many others.You can follow Aziza on Instagram @aziza.kadyriHosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkinsIn collaboration with @izbaartsPhotography by @anastasia_hasparianMarketing and creative content by @al3x_baRecorded at @riddimliferecords with @djdeanlyon

In this episode Ella is talking to Marcelina Amelia, a UK based artist working with mixed media approaches to print, painting and drawing. Her work is often inspired by her Polish heritage, religious iconography and folk tales, as well as her childhood memories. It explores the power of dreams, spirituality, sexuality, and the human condition.Marcelina has been featured in Vogue, The NY Times, Der Spiegel, Art Maze and Create Magazine, just to name a few. She was also Saatchi Art’s featured ‘Artist in Spotlight’ and her work was shown at multiple exhibitions in the UK, including the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea and London Fashion Week.You can follow Marcelina Amelia on Instagram @marcelinaameliaHosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkinsIn collaboration with @izbaartsPhotography by @anastasia_hasparianMarketing and creative content by @al3x_baRecorded at @riddimliferecords with @djdeanlyon

Alexander Khokhlov, a Russian photographer and artist based in London. He moved to the UK in 2022 to connect with the international progressive creative community. Many of Alexander’s projects are known worldwide and some of his artworks were purchased for top luxury interiors, including Hilton, Waldorf Astoria and Four Seasons hotels. In 2017, Alexander and his wife Veronica, launched a pet portrait project, called The Dog Show, which won multiple international awards. His further work and interviews were featured in media worldwide, including CNN, Huffington Post, The Daily Mail, Wired and many others.In 2019 Alexander was named the Photographer of the Year by the One Eyeland Annual Awards and acclaimed one of the best advertising photographers worldwide.You can follow Alexander on Instagram @alexanderkhokhlovHosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkinsIn collaboration with @izbaartsPhotography by @anastasia_hasparianMarketing and creative content by @al3x_baRecorded at @riddimliferecords with @djdeanlyon

This episode features Maria Springis - a London-based Director and Producer, originally from Ukraine. She has founded an award-winning production company Dreams Into Reality and worked on sets of major future films like House of Dragons, Shadow and Bone, Fast & Furious, and The Crown. Maria has also directed and produced many internationally acclaimed documentaries and worked with famous people, from Vin Diesel, Francis Ngannou and Mike Tyson. Check out her story now!You can follow Maria on Instagram @maria.d8rHosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkinsIn collaboration with @izbaartsPhotography by @anastasia_hasparianMarketing and creative content by @al3x_baRecorded at @riddimliferecords with @djdeanlyon

In this episode Ella is interviewing an amazing Lithuanian photographer, Sane Seven.Sane is internationally known for her powerful and intimate portraits of influential women. She photographed cultural icons such as Helena Bonham Carter, industry pioneers like Dame Donna Langley and world leaders like Julia Gillard.Through her work, Sane amplifies women’s voices across all spheres and serves as a dedicated advocate for gender equality. She’s currently involved in initiatives that lead the way to a more inclusive future.You can follow Sane Seven on Instagram @sanesevenHosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkinsIn collaboration with @izbaartsPhotography by @anastasia_hasparianMarketing and creative content by @al3x_baRecorded at @riddimliferecords with @djdeanlyon