I visited Ukraine in 1992 as part of the artists’ exchange programme established by Richard Cox on behalf of the Wales Arts Council (now the Arts Council of Wales); the programme was further supported by the British Council and Cardiff Council. I spent a month in Luhansk, which was, at that time, twinned with Cardiff; where I was hosted with great generosity by the painter Oleg Schigolev and the textile artist Alyna Schigoleva; the experience was both challenging and deeply rewarding. Alongside visiting the Luhansk State Fine Art College and artists’ studios, I spent time walking around the city, making drawings and watercolours of my surroundings, which were exhibited at the Art Museum. I was also invited to give a public lecture about my time in Luhansk and my experience of working as an artist in Wales.