Art Kaleidoscope

New winter, 2017. Figurine in a mixed technique. Materials – wool, wire, acrylic paints, chiffon, self-curing plastic, floss, embroidery. Mysterious felted creatures by Alexandra Petrova

Mysterious felted creatures by Alexandra Petrova
Russian artist Alexandra Petrova (pseudonym Voronikha) began to create felted creatures in the technique of dry felting since the spring of 2007. Petrova graduated with honors from St. Petersburg University of Technology and Design with a degree in Decorative and Applied Arts. The master lives in St. Petersburg, and, as she writes about herself, “I periodically disappear in the forests of the Pskov region.” It is in the forest that she draws inspiration from her mythological creatures. The names of these animals are no less mysterious than the design. For example, the Mistress of Mists, the Mistress of Summer Days, the Collector of pine needles, the Forest Evening, the New Winter, Summer Warden of Winter, etc. Her toys periodically participate in various exhibitions of applied art.
Along with the felted toys, she began to sculpt the creatures of self-hardening plastic (from the end of 2011). Made in a single copy, for each creature the artist used various additional materials – wire, glass, beads, plastic, etc.
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A cute little bat with onyxes for eyes, hanging off a branch growing quartz crystals, up against a starry night sky. Lyla Mori spooky symbolic embroideries

Lyla Mori spooky symbolic embroideries
According to the talented artist Lyla Mori (aka moonflesh), October is her favorite month. Born in October, this probably influences all her creativity and in particular, way of life. Undoubtedly, the gallery of stunning Gothic mini embroidery pieces is a truly work of art. Besides, her art is exquisite and inspirational, and behind each embroideried piece is an interesting story. For example, a stunning collection of embroideries with willow branches and urns titled “Sacred”, inspired by the gravestones in Salem’s Burying Point Cemetery.
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Painting by Natalia Grigorieva “Rowan and Tits”. Graceful Rowan in paintings of Russian artists

Graceful Rowan in paintings of Russian artists
In autumn, rowan leaves from yellow-orange gradually turn into purple, resembling a burning bonfire. No wonder the graceful rowan inspired so many artists and poets. To rowan devoted a lot of songs and poems, and its bright red berries – often compared with beads. And the truth is, small round berries resemble a scattering of brilliant beads. Undoubtedly, Nature gave the rowan a rich decoration to become the main ornament of the autumn forest. And how beautiful the rowan alleys are at this time of year! And it is impossible to pass by and not admire this beautiful tree! During a long cold winter, its delicious fruits will save many birds from the hunger. Indeed, the flocks of loud-nosed bullfinches and waxwings become frequent guests.
And how beautiful can be ordinary ashberry, if you look at it through the eyes of the artist! Rowan scenes in the paintings of Russian artists have always enjoyed a success and popularity with buyers of landscapes and still lifes.
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‘The wind of change’ brooch of polymer clay. ‘Tomorrow the wind will change, Tomorrow the past is over. It will come, and will be a kind, affectionate Wind of change. A miracle on the palm – Olga Ponomareva Miniature brooches

A miracle on the palm – Olga Ponomareva Miniature brooches

Chelyabinsk based young and beautiful artist Olga Ponomareva has been engaged in creativity since her earliest childhood. Designer by education, Olga has many hobbies. However, most of her free time the artist devotes to polymer clay. According to the master, she works with this material for about three years, but learned about polymer clay by accident. “Interestingly, the possibilities of this material are endless!”. In fact, before started creating jewelry, Olga experimented a lot. At the moment, she basically makes very refined and lovely brooches. First of all, everything starts with a sketch, and then comes time for the embodiment of the idea. In addition, according to the artist herself, she likes to work through each tiny brooch in detail. “It’s amazing to see how each piece of jewelry gets its character and personality.” Undoubtedly, each piece of a talented artist, designer and jeweler Olga Ponomareva has become a truly miracle on the palm of her hand. By the way, that’s the name of her online workshop.
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An angel with a bird. Materials – Ceramic tiles, tile printing, wood, author’s technique of sublimation printing. Handmade work by Gothic naive artist Pavel Nikolayev. Novorossiysk, Russia

Gothic naive artist Pavel Nikolayev
Novorossiysk based artist Pavel Nikolayev has been painting since the age of five. According to the artist himself, he can’t imagine his life without paints, and generally, without art. Meanwhile, inspired by the work of old masters, he created his own style, resembling “gothic naive”.
Although the artist experiments in different styles, yet his works in Gothic naive are something special. In particular, “An Angel with a Bird” – originally painted on wood, and then, by means of sublimation, the author made a print from it. Next, he transferred the image onto the ceramic tiles under the influence of high temperature and pressure. Such technique makes it possible to create bright and durable panel.
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In the city yard. Desk decoration. Gold, silver, jasper, quartz, uvarovite. Sirin jewelry company miniature sculpture

Sirin jewelry company miniature sculpture
Moscow based jewellery company Sirin has about twenty years of experience in the jewelry art. In the gallery of their workshops – a priceless collection of jewellery art. In particular, exquisite destop decorations, fabulous miniature sculptures, not to mention jewelry decorations – brooches, earrings, necklaces and more.
According to the information on their website, the company began working in 1991. Creating their author’s products, jewelers use gold, silver, diamonds, precious and semi-precious ornamental stones, pearls, colored enamels, and enamel inserts. Also, they use sophisticated techniques. For example, transparent colored enamels laid along the guilloche surface, stained-glass and cloisonne enamels, chasing, filigree, and the technique of small plastic. And the result of their creativity – awards and recognitions of national and foreign art exhibitions, companies and museums.
Highly appreciated by the art critics of the Armory Chamber and the Diamond Fund of Russia, specialists at the State Depository of values of the Russian Federation, Sirin collaborates with the largest companies De Beers and ALROSA. Works by jewelry company Sirin received numerous awards at international jewelry exhibitions in Russia, Switzerland, the USA, France and Austria.
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A mother and a daughter, Russian handmade dolls. Slavic faceless folk doll magical power

Slavic faceless folk doll magical power

Why does the Slavic folk doll have no face? Indeed, the traditional rag doll is faceless. As a rule, not indicated, the face remained white. Meanwhile, a faceless doll, as an inanimate object was inaccessible to the evil, unkind forces to get into it, and therefore harmless to the child. In addition, it had to bring him well-being, health, and joy. It was a true miracle: from several rags, without additional details – hands and legs, without a designated face, the master managed to produce the character of the doll. The doll was emotional, it could laugh and cry.
In fact, in ancient times, the dolls had another purpose, it protected from disease, misfortune, and evil spirits. The doll took care of a man, and was called: guardian or bereguinya. As a rule, the most protective were dolls, made without needles and scissors. Also, creating a doll, a master avoided cutting the fabric, instead, he/she used to tear it. That’s why such doll sometimes was called “rvanka” (from the Russian word “rvat'” – to tear).
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