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You are a freelance illustrator based in Moscow, Russia. How does the place where you live influence your creativity?
I live in Moscow region, in a place which is very close to the nature. I’m surrounded by the meadows, forests, lakes and space from my early childhood. And definitely it is reflected in my art, I want to materialize it in my works. Nature is always somehow presented in my paintings.
In your statement, you write that you get inspired by folk art and icon painting. Could you describe or show us some examples of your inspirations?
When I was a child my father used to work on a factory where the icons were made. So they surrounded me from my childhood though our family wasn’t too religious. Later in a conscious age I came back to icons as to a visual statement which carries a strong force. Very emotional stories are told with simple forms, gentle lines, precise colors and composition. And I strive to it in my art. The same thing with the folk art though the essence of the stories is different. I like its frankness and innocence. Getting inspired by such art I feel succession and connection with my cultural framework as if this is a basis for my own creative process.
“I want to create my own perfect reality with my art”. What’s your dream of perfect reality?
In my perfect reality I enjoy endless summer and a lot of beauty around me – in views, interiors and small things. My perfect world is abundant, joyful and kind to everyone.
I would like to let your works speak for you.
I will propose some of your works of your series and invite you to write a personal, every-day life, fantasy story or thought related/inspired from that painting.
Floral Series
Flower is a symbol of joy and glory. Is there anything more beautiful than a flower? In my floral series I show the fullness of life and the harmony of nature. I want to create something clearly excellent with these paintings.
Meadow Series
Summer fields have always been my favorite part of Russian landscape. They can look inconspicuously and ordinary but to me they seem so interesting and self existent. They have their own life which is so beautiful and diverse. And I am delighting this life in my paintings.
Still Life
Still life is a faded moment for me. I create my still lives getting inspired by memories and dreams about summer easy-going days which are always so fleeting. With abundance of paints and saturation of composition I convey the senses when the nature is full of colors and gifts. In my paintings I want to preserve the feeling of accidentality and transiency and at the same time harmony which often can be found in our everyday life but is not always noticed.
Girls
Painting women portraits is a kind of therapy. In every painted girl I find something of myself or open something new in myself. They are all museful and mediative, have flowing lines and strong connection to the nature. In every portrait I want to catch a moment of inner concentration, unity with the one’s thoughts as if painted girl is escaping to her own dreamy worlds from the painting.
If someone of your girls could talk, how would she answer to this questions?
Where are you from?
I’m not assigned to any particular country but I love to live most of the time in southern European countries by the sea. I like to live in a countryside but not far away from big cities
How old are you?
I’m 28.
What makes you happy?
I love simple pleasures like tasty food, walks in nature, conversations with my friends, beauty around me.
What are you afraid to lose?
I’m afraid to lose myself and my freedom to do what I love and to behave how I want.
What do your eyes see?
I try to see beauty around me and also to notice if someone needs my help.
