Meet the maker behind the Mess and Magic
(Try saying that 10x fast!)
About the artist
Hello! I’m Zoryana (they/them) — I’m an interdisciplinary artist, tattoo apprentice, small creator, and lifelong collector of curiosities, creating in Odàwàng (Ottawa) on unceded Anishinabe Algonquin territory.
I’m the maker behind House of Mess and Magic: a creative practice rooted in folklore, ecology, community, playfulness, and care. I make art to process big feelings, honour where I come from, learn more about myself and the world around me, and turn the colourful chaos in my head into something I can share with others.
I’m endlessly curious about the things that make us who we are — our identities, histories, memories, relationships to place, and the stories we carry. That curiosity finds its way into everything I make, inspired by bold folk patterns and my own particular brand of weirdness.
My creations are shaped by my experiences as a Ukrainian-Canadian settler, queer, non-binary, and neurodivergent human, and by the beautiful people, places, and things that surround me. I believe that creating, both personally and collectively, is a powerful way to care for ourselves, nurture connection, and shape the worlds we’re part of.
Some things I make are silly. Some are sacred. Some are both. I’m interested in the spaces where those things overlap — and in how making and sharing can bring us closer to each other and open up possibilities for what we can create together.
Welcome to my little corner of the internet. Come for the mess. Stay for the magic!
Values
Connection
Drawn to the threads that connect us, my art explores the relationships between people, cultures, places, and stories.
Heritage
Rooted in my Ukrainian heritage and inspired by the land I’m honoured to call home, my art is a celebration of culture, place, and belonging.
Playfulness
Inspired by everyday magic and the beauty of being alive, I make vibrant, heartfelt art that makes room for joy, curiosity, play, and weirdness.
Resistance & Sovereignty
I use art to reclaim power, resist erasure, and celebrate the sovereignty of self and community — with queerness, solidarity, and justice at the heart of what I create.
Making Magic Together
Here’s how we’ll work together:
1. Connect:
You reach out with your idea, vibe, or vision—we chat to see if we’re a good fit and what magic we can make together.
2. Collaborate
We brainstorm together! I’ll ask questions, pull references, and gather the inspiration needed to bring your concept to life with heart and style.
3. Create
I head into the studio (aka: controlled chaos zone) to sketch, design, and build your piece. I’ll keep you posted with key updates or previews.
4. Clean up
You’ll get a chance to review and request small edits if needed—this is where we fine-tune the details so it feels just right.
5. Complete
Once everything’s polished and approved, your final piece is on its way—whether it’s digital files, a print, or a hand-made original.
Timelines and collaboration:
Every project is different! Most commissions take 2–6 weeks depending on complexity and my current queue. Need it sooner? Rush orders are available for an extra fee. Clear communication is key, and I always aim to make the process easy, thoughtful, and fun.
What’s brewing at the Magic Shop
Shop top picks including apparel, prints, stickers, home goods, and more!
