I was born in the south of Russia, descended from Mongolian and Persian ancestors who moved there about 150 years ago. I moved to the New Forest National Park 22 years ago where I still live with my family now.

In the story about my first memorial, I wrote about what brought me to carving. Since 2016, I have taken regular private lessons at the Portland Sculpture and Quarry Trust and over the past eight years, I’ve fallen in love with traditional stone carving methods. I am trying to incorporate my skills by embracing power tools, clay portraiture and 3D design software.

This year I was honored to have my work recognized by Albion Stone PLC, the world-renowned distributor of Portland stone, who highlighted my project on their social media. Additionally, my work is set to receive further attention in an upcoming documentary on the ArtScape YouTube channel.

As a result of my passion for stone masonry, I have been able to meet numerous masons, artists, architects and professionals of the like from all over the world with a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds that have helped give me a better understanding of the art of carving and learn different approaches to stone masonry. With every year and every new skill I learn I feel like it’s going to be a lifelong journey.