Meet Olga Dieterle | Visual Artist&Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Olga Dieterle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Olga, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am a visual artist and photographer from Ukraine, born and raised in Donetsk, an eastern city that became a pivotal part of my story. When I finished high school, my city was occupied by Russia. I left and never returned. That moment reshaped my life and the trajectory of my work.

Growing up, I never deeply considered what it meant to be Ukrainian. But when Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, I was forced to seek a stronger foundation for my identity. It had always been there—woven into me, influencing my work in ways I hadn’t fully realized. But now, it has emerged from the shadows into the light.

In my visual art, I blend personal memories with cultural motifs, exploring themes of nostalgia and Ukrainian mythology. Through my work, I reconnect with my roots, preserving and reinterpreting them in new ways.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art has grown alongside me—it has always been a part of who I am. As a child, I had vivid visions and an imagination so rich that I hardly needed toys; I could turn anything around me into a story.

When I was four, my mother took me to a psychic, though I thought she was an eye doctor. The woman would ask me to close my eyes and describe what I saw. I had no shortage of visions, spinning elaborate visual stories for her, though I never knew what she did with them. If I were her, I probably would have painted them. She once told my mother that I was “stuck between the earth and the sky.” I suppose that’s what it means to be an artist. But at the time, I rejected the idea. I wanted to be normal, to fit into society.

Photography felt like a safer way to express my artistry. I loved observing people and documenting everything around me—it gave me both purpose and protection. Holding a camera made me feel present yet unseen. In middle school, I started producing creative shoots with my friends, styling outfits, gathering inspiration boards, shooting, and editing. I still do the same now, just on a bigger scale—with professional models, makeup artists, and larger productions. But I still cherish smaller, more intimate shoots, where my creativity can unfold freely.

Four years ago, while living in Portland, I suddenly started painting again. My visions returned with new intensity, inspired by the towering Oregonian trees, the wild ocean, and the strange, witchy energy of the place. Now, I paint more than ever, merging it with my photography, allowing both mediums to feed into each other. I don’t know exactly where this journey will lead me, but I’m excited to follow it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m still relatively new to Los Angeles—I moved here almost two years ago—but in that time, I’ve fallen in love with certain places that make this city feel like home. One of my favorites is the Philosophical Research Society in Los Feliz. It’s a fascinating space that hosts indie film screenings, philosophy and creativity lectures, and houses a library filled with rare books. If someone were visiting, that’s definitely where I’d take them for a movie night.

I also love The Row—it has one of the best atmospheres in LA. There’s a perfume boutique called Lucky Scent where I could spend hours getting lost in the world of niche fragrances.

My neighborhood, Echo Park, is another place close to my heart. I live right next to the stunning Elysian Park, where the hiking trails offer breathtaking views of the city. And if I had to pick one must-see attraction, it would be the Queen Mary. There’s something magical about stepping aboard that historic ship, feeling its rich past come to life. It’s a rare treasure, and I love that it’s still here for us to experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My partner, Cameron, is a music producer and an audio-visual engineer whose artistry shapes not only sound but also the person I am becoming. His vision is singular, and his influence runs deep in my journey.

My dear friend Elza, an artist and poet from Ukraine, is a constant source of inspiration. As she embarks on her own handmade accessory business in LA, I am in awe of her creativity and determination. I am endlessly grateful for her encouragement and the light she brings into my life.

Website: https://www.olgadieterle.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olgadieterle?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==