Ksenya Kirillova was born in Kazan, Tatarstan Republic, in a remarkable and close-knit family. Since childhood, beautiful things have attracted her, and she imprinted them on paper without much effort. Over the years, my paintings have been changed by becoming more and more professional. In her school years, Ksenya attended art school and continued her studies in a local art studio. When the question about the future path of creative and professional development arose, the choice fell to the professional Art school named by Feshina. Ksenya has been studying there for four unforgettable years, and the experience there gave her a significant and professional basis for her further path.
Then, she entered university in the interior design specialty. Also, she used to work at the same time. Ksenya has five years of professional experience and does not regret choosing such an exciting profession.
AP: When and how did you get acquainted with creativity?
KK: I got acquainted with creativity in kindergarten. Painting and sculpture were my favorite activities there. I created the first presents for my family and friends with my hands, which led to admiration and affection from all others. Perhaps the ideological inspiration for me at the time was my mother. I watched how she sewed and decorated clothes in childhood and always wanted to be like her. I grew up, and now those words she says to me 🙂
AP: Do you have any formal education in your sphere, or were you self-taught?
KK: I have several degrees in art education that help me grow and learn many new and exciting things. But as we know, the universities give us only the basics, introducing us to the basics of the profession, and then the person chooses his direction and develops independently.
AP: What genre are your works?
KK: A talented person is talented in everything. Painting, drawing, sculpture, and applied art are the subjects every person learns when attending any art institution, whether a simple art school or a studio. And I am no exception. Having worked in all directions, I found myself in the most exciting genre – paper sculpture. Paper sculpture is the art of paper modeling compositions and creating three-dimensional sculptures. It allows you to look at the world through the eyes of the creator. I am also fond of other art forms, like collages—no less exciting activity than paper sculpture.
AP: How would you describe the process of making your works?
KK: When the paper is no longer just paper? When a white sheet becomes part of the story, the shape, size, and plastic acquire its report. The paper begins to live! It becomes a work of art! As for me, the paper has become an expression of my feelings, thoughts, and ideas. Replacing pencils, brushes, and paint becomes my sculptural material, my “clay.” Paper is always a noble and rewarding material. Paper does not tolerate vanity; it likes rhythm, patience, and perseverance. It is headstrong, sometimes whimsical, incredibly plastic, always gets a conceived image, and is not afraid to be different. Paper is a terrific teacher, raising a neatness that develops thinking, aesthetic taste, and constructive abilities. At night, we are alone with it. The contrast of white paper and black shadows creates new ideas, thoughts, and emotions. Night brings unexpected angles and reveals new facets. The process is endless… In the work, we are the one whole. Sometimes, I think it creates stories, and I am only a singer of its ideas, the art paper master. It knows how to think and guides you in the right direction. Paper is the home of our duet, and I gladly give it first place!
AP: What techniques do you use to create your paper sculptures?
KK: Paper plastic does not require special individual tools; everything is trite and straightforward: all the devices can be found on every desktop, even a child’s or student’s stationery cutter and PVare – it’s all you need for this type of work. Occasionally, accompanying materials can be a ruler, compass, and punch. The most important thing here is your imagination, but it has everyone. You only need a few minutes to return to childhood and plunge into a dream world of a carefree mentality.
AP: Would you consider yourself as an expert in this sphere?
KK: To know everything is impossible. But perfection is not the chapel. There is a saying: “As long as you live, you learn.” There is always something to see, something to learn. The only thing is that there are few analogs in my sphere. I want to communicate with peers, share experiences, and maybe even set up joint projects.
AP: What is your success formula?
KK: The formula for success is believing in yourself and what you do! Being confident you can achieve specific goals you set or were prepared for you by your destiny. The main thing in my profession is not to sit still! Three years ago, I had no idea I would have an opportunity to expose my works to the audience.
AP: Is it interesting to you to participate in the art projects? Have you ever taken part in any of them?
KK: In 2008, thanks to the support of the project of young artists “We Can!” I had a solo exhibition titled “Rhythm. Color. Form. Female view”. In 2011, I was proposed to coincide the exhibition entitled “I Know A Woman” with the project “Night At The Museum.” The next project, which is still in the process, is called “Africa.” I think it will be realized in the coming 2011-2012 years.
AP: Is there someone who helps you in your creativity?
KK: Undoubtedly, my relatives, friends, and colleagues are an integral part of my creativity. They are my ideological inspirations. They are devoted to a series of works that often bear their names, faces, and images. Of course, their support and faith is critical to me.
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