Ekaterina Litovchenko Ukrainian artist Date of Birth: 14.12.1948 Country: Ukraine

Biography of Ekaterina Litovchenko

Ekaterina Litovchenko was born in Sverdlovsk, Lugansk Oblast (formerly Voroshilovgrad Oblast), Ukraine in 1948. From a young age, she showed a talent for aerial gymnastics and joined a circus troupe at the age of 12. After completing her education at School No. 7, she enrolled in a local trade school. During this time, Litovchenko continued to train with the circus troupe at DK "im. Ya. M. Sverdlova."

On June 1, 1968, tragedy struck when Litovchenko fell from a height while practicing jumps on a trampoline, resulting in a fractured cervical vertebra. This accident left her bedridden and she was classified as having a disability of the first group. However, she found inspiration and support from Nikolay Prokofievich Zaitsev, the chairman of the "Courage" society for the disabled. Litovchenko gradually regained muscle control in her neck and learned to write by holding a pen in her mouth.

In 1993, Litovchenko started to create artwork using markers and pencils held in her mouth. Over the years, she created more than 300 pieces, which were exhibited in the United States, the Netherlands, Belgium, and many other countries around the world. She mostly gave away her works as gifts. On July 16, 2012, Litovchenko passed away due to a second stroke. Despite being confined to her bed for 44 years, she was an extraordinary person with a strong spirit.

For her contributions to the arts, Litovchenko was awarded the title of "Honored Artist of Ukraine" by President Leonid Kuchma on November 29, 1996. In 2003, she was honored with the title of "Ukrainian Madonna" by the international charitable foundation "Holy Mary."