1. Which qualities of personality help an artist to make art and which hinder?

In my case it is first of all persistence and belief in myself. Both qualities help a lot to move forward, not to retreat when faced with difficulties or failures. Also, it seems to me, loyalty plays not the least role in the life of an artist. Loyalty to criticism, for example, to the viewer. And laziness, disorganization, and almost any negative quality in a person will interfere not only in professional activity, but also in life.

2. What is your favorite pastime besides art?

I am fond of road cycling. Not professionally, of course, I just ride for pleasure.

3. Have you ever had a situation in your life that influenced your art positively/negatively? Or greatly changed your views on what you do?

I haven't had any global situations that have influenced my creativity. Although moving to St. Petersburg determined some vectors in my development, if we talk about globality. There were simply moments in my life and minor situations that determined this or that direction, including the style in which I painted.

4. Who would you like to talk to of any person who has ever lived or is living now? Why this person in particular?

Tarantino. A cult personality, with an interesting biography, approach to his work, and movies, naturally. I'm sure I would be interested in talking to him, learning something and adopting some of his life principles that influenced his work.

5. How does your art change the world, the culture, yourself?

Definitely in a positive way. When I get feedback from the viewer, when I see a smile on his face, I consider it a good indicator. Bright colors leave few people indifferent. Abstract forms involuntarily make people fantasize, they see their own forms and meanings, they go beyond the boundaries of my imagination. I, in turn, am forced by art to step out of my comfort zone, to think more broadly, to see further, to set specific goals and do my best to achieve them.

6. What do you think about the future of contemporary art?

This is a question that is difficult for me to answer unequivocally. At the moment everything is going very well, but negative thoughts creep into my head. There is no doubt that the demand for it is only growing, and so is the number of artists. Market dumping is taking place, the quality of the product and its uniqueness is falling. There are fewer and fewer truly cool works. It seems to me that the golden age has already passed... Of course, I could be wrong. I don't ask myself such questions, although I should. I like to create — in the moment.

7. What do you think about the ups and downs of NFT? Do you have any NFT projects?

I've tried to be dragged there many times, but each of the attempts remained at the stage of talking about the project, some ideas in words. In general, I didn't get hooked on this movement, although I didn't try it at all. As for the ups and downs, I'm not very interested in NFT, but at least I hear less and less about them every time, at least to me.

8. What is the most valuable thing for you (in the world, in life, in creativity)?

The most valuable things in the world are probably the obvious things for many people: life without military conflicts, violence, starving countries — something that can be avoided with a strong desire... The most valuable thing in life is to have good relationships with loved ones. And in creativity, I would put recognition in the first place.