Everyday Art in Silk: In Conversation with Galina

For this conversation, I spoke with Galina, the artist behind kurochki.co a silk scarf and veil project shaped by memory, symbolism, and a love for natural materials. Originally from Moscow and now living in Nicosia, Galina creates pieces that feel both playful and personal, delicate silk organza scarves and embroidered veils designed to bring beauty, humor, and individuality into everyday life.

What began as a deeply personal creation for her own wedding gradually grew into a brand rooted in storytelling, craftsmanship, and what she describes as everyday art.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey?

I’m originally from Russia and now live in Cyprus with my family. My background is in design, and this project began while I was preparing for my wedding.

I imagined a warm April day, a rooftop, spring flowers, translucent fabrics, and a feeling of urban romance. I designed my dress in silk organza, but I also wanted something playful and personal, so I created a veil embroidered with colorful symbols from my relationship and my life.

That veil became the beginning of everything.

What brought you to Cyprus?

My husband received a job offer here, and we decided to try living in another place. We had travelled a lot before, and it felt like the right moment. Our daughter was only eight months old when we moved.

The first two years were difficult because everything felt very different. But with time, Cyprus began to feel more familiar. Now I feel calmer and more confident here, and we hope to stay.

How has living in Cyprus shaped this chapter of your life and work?

I think it has changed my rhythm. I feel more grounded now.

It’s hard to notice these things immediately, but I do see more nature in my work now: cactus, orange trees, and other details from the landscape around me.

How did the idea for your silk scarves and veils begin?

It started with my wedding veil. I wanted it to feel elegant, but also humorous and very personal.

I included symbols that mattered to me, including my pet ferret, who carried the rings, and my favorite chickens. I thought I would wear the veil only for the formal ceremony, but I ended up wearing it throughout the whole celebration. The guests loved it, and I felt completely at home in it.

After that, I began creating veils for brides in a similar spirit, and then added scarves to bring that same feeling into everyday life.

Why silk?

I have always loved natural materials, especially in clothing. My wedding dress was silk, so using silk organza for the veil felt very natural.

How do you go from an idea to the final piece?

I draw the illustrations myself. Then the printing is done in Moscow, after which the silk goes to a tailor there. The finished pieces are then sent to Cyprus.

I also create custom designs, especially for wedding veils that can still be meaningful and wearable beyond the wedding day.

What inspires your designs most?

Nature, memory, childhood, vacations, and small details from life.

What does Kurochki mean, and why did you choose it as the name of the brand?

Kurochki means “chickens” in Russian. I used to have two chickens as pets, Gracy and Caroline, although later we realised Gracy was actually a rooster, so we renamed him Mr. Gray. I love bringing these kinds of playful, personal details into my work. There is also a funny connection with my own name, which echoes the Italian word gallina, meaning hen, so the name felt especially close to me.

What do you hope women feel when they wear one of your pieces?

I like the idea of a casual outfit made unique by one funny or special detail.

I want the pieces to feel beautiful, personal, and a little playful.

Do you see your scarves as fashion pieces, art objects, or something more personal?

I would say they are everyday art.

They are meant to be worn and enjoyed in daily life, not saved only for special occasions.

Your project began with bridal pieces, but it also extends beyond that. How do you see the two worlds connecting?

I still love creating for brides because a wedding look can hold so much feeling and symbolism. I want to offer veils that reflect a love story and feel truly individual.

At the same time, I wanted to create something that could live beyond one occasion. That is where the scarves came in, elegant and versatile pieces that can be worn with simple clothes, coats, or even for special events.

How important is sustainability in your work?

It is important to me to work thoughtfully. I’m drawn to natural fabrics, and I also use vintage threads in my process.

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Galina’s work sits between softness and wit, elegance and play. In her world, silk becomes a storytelling surface, holding memory, symbolism, and the quiet pleasure of wearing something meaningful.

This shared appreciation for place, nature, and thoughtful design also led to a collaboration between Kurochki and Mont Trod. Together, we created a limited-edition silk twilly inspired by the Cypriot landscape and by local ingredients that are part of the Mont Trod world. The design brings elements of the island into a wearable piece, connecting Galina’s illustrative language with Mont Trod’s roots in Cyprus. The limited-edition twilly is now available at monttrod.com.

More recently, Galina has returned to oil painting after many years and is still exploring where this renewed practice may take her. Inspired by Cyprus, she is currently working with local landscapes and hopes to create more artworks connected to the island and its surroundings.

Whether through silk or paint, her work reflects a continuing interest in nature, personal observation, and the small details that make everyday life feel meaningful.

You can follow her silk pieces at @kurochki.co and her painting practice at @galinarachko.studio.