Interview with Irina Lykova — Musician and Makeup Artist in New Zealand

In our latest YouTube feature, we are pleased to share an inspiring conversation with Irina Lykova — a talented musician and makeup artist who recently made the bold decision to relocate with her family to New Zealand. Through her journey, Irina opens up about creativity, change and the unexpected ways art can flourish in a new setting.

From Russia to the Pacific

Irina’s creative journey began in Russia, where she garnered experience performing as a musician and working professionally as a makeup artist. Drawn by the promise of fresh perspectives and a new life for her family, she and her loved ones embraced the move to New Zealand — an environment that not only offered natural beauty, but also new opportunities for artistic expression.

Creativity in a New Home

In her interview, Irina explains how the change of scene influenced her art:

“There’s something about the open skies here, the light and the landscape. It makes me see sound and colour differently.”

Now based in Whangārei, Irina continues to merge her passions: writing and performing music, as well as running creative makeup workshops. For her, makeup isn’t just about beauty — it’s a form of performance, a visual expression of identity and emotion, much like a musical piece.

Finding Community & Sharing Art

Joining London Arts & Talents gave Irina a platform to collaborate with other artists across the world. In the interview she reflects on how connections formed through the LAT creative community help artists navigate new environments and sustain inspiration:

“Even though I’m halfway across the world, I feel rooted in something bigger — a community of creators, thinkers and dreamers.”

What’s Next

Irina is currently working on a new music EP, inspired by her experiences in New Zealand’s landscape and culture, and plans to host an online makeup master-class later this year. Through these projects, she aims to build a bridge between her past life and her new home, while continuing to support and inspire other creatives making big moves.

🎬 Watch the full interview on the London Arts & Talents YouTube channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7web0y_2lhQ

🔗 Stay tuned for more stories from our community of artists, writers and creators around the world.