Brewing Saicho on the Canvas with Yuliya Kalinichenko
Celebrating Women in Craft with Saicho's Resident Artist: Yuliya Kalinichenko
Carrying forward the spirit of International Women’s day, the Saicho team is delighted to announce our new newsletter feature, ‘Women in Craft’. This month we are proud to share the inspiring creative journey of Saicho's Artist in Residence Yuliya Kalinichenko. This Women’s Day, we are honoured to share the inspiring creative journey of Yuliya Kalinichenko, Saicho’s Artist in Resident. She is the creative visionary behind our sparkling teas and gift box experiences, bringing them to life through her incredibly imaginative compositions and colour theory concepts. Kalinichenko weaves together the heritage motifs of each tea's origin, incorporating native botanicals and creatures.
In our conversation with Kalinichenko, we discover how her artistic approach mirrors elements of the traditional tea ceremony, seamlessly blending the worlds of art, tea, and heritage for Saicho. Just as each step of tea preparation is infused with intention and reverence, Kalinichenko's artistic process unfolds with a quiet and mindful focus. She tunes into transforming every detail meticulously, crafting expressions that celebrate our sparkling teas. Her innovation has paved the way for us to pay homage to our tea gardens and breath life into Jasmine, Hojicha, Darjeeling, and Sixty Stone Mountain.
Creative Process, Inspiration & Yuliya's Day
For Kalinichenko, her work is a reflection of her belief that art, much like tea, is a ceremony—an ongoing dialogue with herself that transforms fleeting ideas into tangible experiences. "Before this collaboration, I often created patterns without fully considering how they would exist in the world. With Saicho, I had the opportunity to step into the realm of packaging design, to see my work take on a tangible form that people could hold in their hands". She shares that it gave her art a new dimension. As a painter, predominantly working on screens and canvas materials, it has been a revelation to see her designs take on a tangible form—something that people can hold and connect with.
"Mornings begin in quiet ritual: coffee, the news, the gentle rhythm of everyday life". With her early hours reserved for grounding her mind dives deep into her artistic flow. "Breakfast, a walk, the small tasks that ground me before I step into the creative space. Afternoons are dedicated to work, and once I begin, I lose myself in it, often continuing late into the evening. I cherish those uninterrupted days when I can surrender completely to my craft, when time dissolves, and the only thing that exists is the art unfolding before me".
"I was drawn to Saicho’s vision—sparkling tea crafted with the same reverence as fine wine." Kalinichenko describes how she saw an intriguing potential to unify the collection's visual identity through heritage, symbolism and conceptualising a colour theory that reflects aroma and tasting notes. "I wanted to capture the essence of each tea through art and create a visual style that tied the collection together—an opportunity I found both exciting and rewarding."
"Art begins as an ephemeral idea, a fleeting vision that gradually takes form. I immerse myself in research, collecting references, sketching possibilities, and refining compositions until the piece feels whole. There is a profound joy in watching an idea take shape under my hands, transforming from thought into something tangible, something that speaks without words."
"People are often surprised when they realise that every intricate detail is drawn by hand. That moment when someone looks at my work and asks, 'You created this?'—it always feels rewarding to see their reaction."
Elements In Frame: The Peacock, Darjeeling Sparkling Tea
Grown at nearly 2000 meters above sea level in the tranquil foothills of the Himalayas, the tea embodies a unique and robust muscatel flavour with notes of mandarin, ginger, and wood spice. The peacock is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and iconography, symbolising kindness, grace, and prosperity. Our Darjeeling tea reflects these qualities with its rich, refined flavour profile. The delicate brushstrokes, especially seen in the regal feathers emulate the tea’s delicate tannins and complexity reflect the sophistication of its high-altitude origins.
Tea & Art Connection
"My ritual is simple: I draw every day, regardless of mood, weather, or circumstance. Art is my sanctuary, a world I step into where time slows, and everything is imbued with beauty. It is an endless conversation with myself, a process of exploration and discovery."
Which artists or art movements have had the strongest influence on your creative development?
"As a child, I stumbled upon a catalogue of Japanese painting and graphics, and it left an indelible mark on me. The elegance, the lightness, the effortless flow—it felt like a whisper compared to the grand, weighty presence of classical painting, though I cherish both. I admire any work created with mastery and sincerity because I understand the devotion it requires. Among contemporary artists, Danica Lundy captivates me; her work is imbued with an intelligence and depth that I find utterly brilliant."
Beyond & Looking Ahead
As Kalinichenko moves forward in her journey, she is excited to "push beyond the boundaries of illustration and design into the realm of canvas painting" to transform her artistic practice. "Lately, I've been drawn to abstraction, exploring new textures, gestures, and ways to express what cannot be spoken." She is also intrigued by the intersection of art and technology, particularly the potential of artificial intelligence to generate fresh visual narratives. 'The future of art is evolving," she says, "and I want to be a part of that evolution."
Through her work with Saicho, Kalinichenko has redefined the visual language of tea and inspired us all to see art as something that transcends the page or canvas. It is an experience, a connection - a inspiring invitation to slow down and savour the moment. As a core member of the Saicho team, we are delighted to celebrate her brilliance, passion, and innovative spirit.
We can't wait to see where her creative journey takes her next. The Saicho team is honoured to continue being part of her artistic path as she brews the beauty of tea and art. Sign up to our newsletter for the next Women in Craft spotlight, Saicho exclusive updates and events!
