Small details, big truths
Each form sculpted to capture more than meets the eye
Each form sculpted to capture more than meets the eye
Each form sculpted to capture more than meets the eye
Yuliia Khovbosha is a Ukrainian-born sculptor based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Since 2014, she has hand-sculpted over 100 plant species with scientific precision, working in polymer clay, ceramics, and mixed media. Over time, her practice has grown beyond botanical studies into sculptures that combine hyperrealism with conceptual symbolism and surrealist elements.
Her art, shaped by her experience of war and migration, explores resilience, fragility, and the connection between people and nature. Her sculptures have been shown in exhibitions in the UK, USA, and Canada, including Boomer Gallery in London and Fusion Art Gallery in Palm Springs, where her piece Vicious Circle of Life won 3rd place. In 2023, she was longlisted for the Norval Morrisseau Award for Visual Arts.
Yuliia's work has been published internationally, and she is an active member of CARFAC, VANS, and Craft Nova Scotia.
Her large-format prints have been on permanent display since 2023 at a local restaurant on 6214 Quinpool Road — one of Halifax's most vibrant commercial corridors, known for its cultural diversity and local art scene.
Yuliia uses any material she can shape by hand. She primarily works with polymer clay, air-dry clay, ceramics, and metal clay. Her sculptures also often incorporate mixed media, including plaster, papier-mâché, texture pastes, and various fillers. Natural elements such as seashells may also be integrated into her pieces.
Before beginning a sculpture, she studies each plant or object in detail. Rather than sketching, she typically works directly with her hands, allowing the form and concept to emerge organically through the process. Every detail is painted by hand. In her botanical works, she mainly uses oil paints and pastels, though she occasionally works with acrylics and watercolors as well.
For Yuliia the sculpting process as just as important as the finished result. Over time, she continues to expand her material vocabulary, experimenting with new substances and techniques. She does not use mass-produced molds, only occasionally for textures, and most of her texture tools are custom-made from high-precision dental silicone. She rarely uses cutters, favoring hand-sculpted forms instead.
Each sculpture is the result of a deep engagement with materials, subject matter, and the evolving nature of the creative process.
Yuliia's sculptures live in private collections across 75+ countries, from European royal circles to Middle Eastern diplomatic families, while being featured in publications and exhibitions internationally.
25+ features across 8 countries — see where my work has been celebrated
View PressPhilosophy behind botanical hyperrealism and personal transformation
Read StatementExplore the complete collection of hand-sculpted works, or discover pieces available to bring home
Each piece tells its own story
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies
OK