When did you realize you wanted to become an artist?

Since I remember myself I always like to draw.

And for me never was a question which way I should go and what profession to choose.

I drew every time and everywhere as I remember.

In Soviet times, when I was little we have a deficiency of the drawing paper and My Grandmom managed somehow to provide me a big amount of some technical paper sheets and I drew without stopping and at the end of a day we had a heap of the drawings.

You started with painting. How did you decide to involve in animation film studies? How exciting is that for you to do as a job?

I was involved in the field of animation when I graduated from the Art College. I was planning to go to University and to continue my painting experience. At those times it seemed like the University of Cinematography had a high level of proficiency at the painting department.

But during my preparatory period suddenly I realize that animation and filming are more interesting and intriguing for me.

And also I discovered for me some kind of animation films that I never have seen before and it was different from cartoons that we all used to watch on TV.

You continued painting and doing illustration. What inspires you the most and which medium do you prefer?

It is very difficult to answer this question. I think this is totally different fields of visual arts despite people think that it’s all about drawing.

When you do the illustration it always serves some concrete text and audience. Depending on that you have as a task.

When you do the paintings you make your task to yourself.

The illustration always has a target but painting is more like a process. Like other says: the art is not the object but the research.

But I like when some specific text inspires you for something more than a precise illustration but can be used as a tip or a theme. I think it can make this work deeper and evoke the imagination of the reader in no predictable way and make him a creator too.

What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of in your career?

I can’t boast a lot of things. But of course at the moment one of the most important projects was my animation film “Coast Warning”. It was the first animation that I’ve made without some experience before and it was quite successful.

Also, the big step for me was my series of paintings named “Birdcatcher” and a few exhibitions that I made. I really like these paintings and they also were printed on a series of book covers.

The big part of my life is linked with illustration for the books of the famous Russian writer Ludmila Petrushevskaya and I’m proud of this collaboration and friendship between us. It will be a new exhibition soon and I’m working on the new paintings inspired by her book.

You discovered art residency programs. How important is that exchange for you?

It is my first residency and my first experience like that. The main thing that I have to know how to make something special in a short period. The important thing is that you can concentrate on one subject. And I think that already I make a lot of discoveries for myself.

How did you decide to come to Belgrade? What are your impressions?

For the years I was thinking about participation in an art residency. This summer promised to me to be full of the work. I like to travel very much and to discover people and places and I started looking for residency programs.

When I received the answer from Belgrade art residency I was quite happy.

I like the city and especially the people here. Belgrade has a really special atmosphere. I think it had changed me a bit and helped me to work on my project.

Now I feel that I’m full of warmth and tenderness which radiates from this place. I Have at the same time energy and relaxant injection.

What would you say to artists who wish to come to Belgrade?

The one thing I say: try not to be closed inside yourself. Keep watching, listening, smelling and perceiving life here.

What do you hope for in future? What about those studies plan?

I have so many projects and ideas for the future! I have to learn how to manage them all.

The studies plan is a totally new thing for me. I can’t predict how it will be. But it makes me thrilling and looking forward to this new thing. I hope my studies will help me to implement some of my ideas. It can be a long and harsh but exciting path – let’s see!