Face to Face-1

Please tell me about your inclination for handmade works.
It’s the most emotional way of expressing my thoughts. For me it’s extremely important for work to convey an emotional message first and all other information after that.

Can this inclination be considered a type of Russian design specific tradition or a kind of new Constructivism?
I am interested in both so I often combine them in my works. 

What about the free forms and handmade type design?
It is challenging for me to work with letter construction. I often draw types by hand or use free forms for construction of symbols. I ask students to draw signs by hand, using different techniques, unusual materials and instruments. For instance, as a module for letter construction we may use stones or some other natural forms. I interpret type not only as a way of information transfer, but also as organized matter on its own. 

To what extent are the results of your research applicable to type and calligraphy?
I’ve been dealing with research in the area of street amateur graphic art for over 20 years. In particular I am interested in how the speed of letter writing influences their form and construction, or how the motives of street typography may enhance the meaning of flexibility in modern types. All these themes are constantly used in my works. 

What is the difference between Cyrillic type design and Latin one?
Latin is constructive and logical. Cyrillic is unpredictable and picturesque; depiction is more important here. Cyrillic doesn’t have an orderly architectural basis as Latin does. But instead, Cyrillic is unexpected and spontaneous, this allows you to improvise and take freedom with type signs on grapheme level. 

How do you combine Russian tradition and folk art with modern aspects?
National traditions are vividly seen in amateur type graphic, street graffiti, and handmade sign boards. I’m interested in how people interpret types in their own way, infringing the laws of harmony. This is a generous material and it can be used in modern graphic design. 

What is the frontier between art and design in your works?
To my mind, design is a form of modern art. Synthesis and blending of concepts are very important to me. This creates a greater effect. 

Why are your works mostly handmade creations?
I often express my ideas in the form of handmade typography because it’s more picturesque and emotional. In drawing by hand accuracy and freedom are combined. 

What is the role of multi-layer in your works?
I really enjoy using layering in my works. At the same time I try to create relatively independent layers. The most important element is air which emerges between the layers and adds additional meanings to the work. 

Teaching or designing, which one is more important to you?
Both are equally important. Pedagogy is a field for experiments. Interesting ideas can be converted into educational tasks and at the same time, my design experience is vital for my teaching work. Those two occupations of mine are connected.