Your makeup artistry is incredibly unique and experimental. What inspired you to take such an unconventional approach to makeup?

Thanks! Initially, I wanted to combine my photography and makeup skills into one experiment. But I was not inspired by the classical idea of beauty. It didn’t describe the full range of feelings and emotions that I wanted to convey. Ugly makeup revolution and the international community of talented people who believe in this direction helped me in part. It was interesting for me to reveal the topic of self-perception from different angles. So I started using my face as a canvas and creating images on it, passing it through my imagination.

Can you describe your creative process when conceptualizing and executing a new makeup look?

I believe that if you are in a resource state, then your fishing rod will definitely catch the idea. Sometimes it’s enough to look around. Sometimes look at yourself and others from the outside. Sometimes inside yourself to bring your fears and desires to the surface. Often ideas are transformed right in the process of applying makeup, acquiring new meanings. Then I look for ways to visually show what is sitting in my head. There may be changes at this stage too. I’m looking for angles, light, facial expressions. Otherwise, everything is as usual: photo selection, retouching, photo caption as a hint to the viewer. The whole process takes an average of 3 hours.

Your work often incorporates unconventional materials like macaroni noodles and clementine peels. How do you select these materials, and what role do they play in your overall vision?

I find many materials on the street, in the grocery store, in the art store, in the woods, at home. In completely different places. And I imagine in advance different ways of applying and modifying these items. Any material, organic or inorganic, cosmetics, glue, makeup – these are all tools. The artist has brushes, I have these objects. And instead of a canvas, I use my face. I call it a surreal one-actor theater, when you don’t need a photographer, a model, or a makeup artist to realize an idea. You can do it all by yourself.

How did you start your journey as a makeup artist? Was there a specific moment or experience that set you on this path?

I had a strong desire to do creative work, which I could not realize due to various circumstances. I have a master’s degree in sociology by profession, but my specialty did not give me the reflection and satisfaction I desired. In addition, any creativity is always based on personal experience, trauma, pain. I’ve always had plenty of that. At one point, everything turned out so that I had the opportunity and the courage to make my fantasies come true.

What message or feeling do you hope to convey through your makeup art?

My message to others is to be yourself. It’s corny, but it’s true. Don’t be afraid of your fears and desires. Creativity is the simplest and most legitimate way of self-discovery, reflection and meditation. A place where only you set boundaries. And don’t be afraid of mistakes, give yourself the right to make them. And be grateful for this experience. 

How has your background and environment in Moscow influenced your artistic style and approach?

I surrounded myself with wonderful creative people – my friends. It is an invaluable resource and support. Besides, I don’t feel tied to a place. I travel a lot, I see how other people live. And I communicate with talented people from all over the world. It gives an endless variety of meanings, sometimes sobering and helps to find something of your own.

Who are some of your biggest influences or inspirations in the world of makeup and art? How have they impacted your work?

I always say that my main inspiration is David Lynch. I love everything he does as an artist, director, photographer, musician.

What challenges do you face as an experimental makeup artist, and how do you overcome them?

This is often devaluation, misunderstanding and criticism. I have been doing creative work since the end of 2019, and it always haunts me. They accused me of all mortal sins and wanted me to go blind. I understand that I can’t be liked by everyone, not all people can understand me. And this is absolutely normal. After all, I often provoke the viewer, leaving room for his own interpretations.