What inspired you to become an artist, and when did you first realise that you wanted to pursue this career path?Since childhood, I have shown an interest in painting. I had a pencil and a couple sheets of paper. That was enough to start sketching everything I saw: a cat sleeping on the floor, a forest outside the window. Nature inspired me the most. My village is located in an unusually picturesque place. Reminds me of the Shire from The Lords of the Rings. As soon as the first successes appeared, they even wrote about me in the local newspaper. :-) What are some of your favourite materials and mediums to work with, and why do you prefer them?The answer is oil. It is the noblest material that has been used by masters for hundreds of years. Of course, it is very capricious and you will be punished if you violate the technology of working with oil. Treat the oil with respect and it will reward you a hundredfold. How would you describe your artistic style, and how has it evolved over time?I would call my style a mixture of impressionism and romantic realism. Impressionism is ideal for painting landscapes. Over time, I began to add people to my paintings. To do this, I turned to the work of one of my favorite artists - Vladimir Volegov as a representative of the school of romantic realism What themes or ideas do you explore in your artwork, and why are they important to you?I was born in a remote village surrounded by endless forests and rivers. Without Internet, away from the rest of the world. We plowed the fields, dried hay for the animals, drew water from the river. Since childhood, nature has been around me and has become the main theme of my work. No matter how hard we try to go to big cities to live in concrete houses, we are part of nature. Nature is our place of power. Can you walk us through your creative process, from the initial concept to the finished piece? What challenges have you faced in your artistic career, and how have you overcome them?Challenges are part of the journey of any artist. For me, the biggest test was 2022 and the madness that the government of my country started. I felt I couldn't be a part of it and left the country. All I had time to take with me was a laptop and a graphics tablet. All my canvases and oil paints were orphaned in Russia. Even the absence of a permanent place of residence could not separate me from creativity. I created special brushes imitating oil in Photoshop and started to create digital paintings. Once again: nothing will stop an artist who wants to create. :-) Who are some artists or other creative figures that have influenced your work, and how have they inspired you? How do you stay motivated and inspired when you hit a creative block or rough patch? What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out on their artistic journeys?The most important piece of advice I wish I had received before is not to be too introvert. Network: Joining art communities or groups can help you connect with other artists, gain exposure, and find opportunities to showcase your work. What are your goals for your art in the future, and where do you see your career going in the next few years?As soon as I find a new home, I will open a studio and delight the world with new paintings. I also plan to hold my personal exhibitions. I have a lot of work to do and it makes me excited :-) What's your favourite piece that you sell on Fy! and why? Which other artists on the Fy! platform do you love? Can you share with us a favourite piece of art from another artist and tell us why you love it? (please ensure the artwork is available on Fy!) How do you see your art contributing to the wider cultural conversation, and what message or themes do you hope to convey through your work? What advice do you have for aspiring artists who are just starting out in their careers? 16. Our shoppers love to buy multiple pieces to create Gallery walls, can you suggest any other art prints on Fy! which you feel compliment yours? 17. Tell us about the artwork you hang in your own home and how this fits into your interior style? 18. Where is your artwork best suited in a home? Do you love making prints for big bright hallway spaces or cosy bedroom corners?
