Yuliya Klochan

Yuliya is a Ukrainian-born disabled artist based in Chicago. For more than ten years, she worked as a multimedia writer and health journalist. Now she makes beaded art using traditional Ukrainian techniques and modern patterns. Yuliya learned loom beading as a child—but forgot it all until 2023, when she was looking for a way to reconnect with her culture. In 2024, she started showcasing her work while working as a health reporter—then transitioned to being a full-time artist. In less than a year, Yuliya's beading has been featured at 15+ Chicagoland galleries, fairs, and artisan stores.

I use traditional Ukrainian loom beading techniques to honor my heritage, and my patterns are modern. As a queer and disabled woman, I strive for my work to align with anti-oppressive values—though sometimes, I also make works inspired by my city, Chicago. By now, I see much of the world in bead colors. For materials, I source the rare “perfect cylinder” Toho Aiko beads—woven together with strong fishing line. The beads come in iridescent, metallic, matte, and luster finishes. Between 1,200–3,600 of them per piece create a beautiful gleam.

Beading Gallery