You need to passionately love carving, have a measure of talent, enormous patience and the willingness to work very hard.

What do you particularly enjoy about carving?

I like the high level of professionalism needed and working quickly. I enjoy the fantasy, humour and genuinely Russian nature of my work.

What is the most difficult aspect of the work?

Developing and creating a new design, searching for a true image. Achieving gentle humour in the design but never mockery.

What do you mainly use as a source of ideas for your work?

Observation of life around me, human and animal behaviour, their habits, gestures and actions. To convert these observations into a toy is the essence of my work and life.

Were the carvings shown on Handmade typical of your work?

Occasionally I do create designs which are bigger than those shown in the programme but

it was impossible to bring them to England in a suitcase!

For how long do you normally work each day?

Usually 8–10 hours a day. I find the most productive hours of work are in the late evening and at night when I can be alone with a new idea.

Is there a particular piece of work you would like to make in the future?

I have many new ideas but I cannot always find time to achieve them. I have to concentrate on the demands of the moment (exhibitions, fairs, competitions, etc).

What kind of wood do you generally use for carving?

Bogorodskoye craftsmen use only soft wood like lime, aspen and alder. Lime is highly flexible with a very smooth texture. Hard woods are not suitable for this type of work.

Are all your carvings working models?

Not all. I also create decorative sculptures of animals, birds and people. The toys, however, are equipped with special mechanisms to allow them to move in an unusual, intricate way.

Who is your work usually made for?

The toys are mainly for children.

How long did it take to carve the bear we saw in Handmade?

I need two to three hours to make ‘Drovokol’ (the woodchopper toy).

How do carvers protect themselves?

Any carver should keep his tools very sharp, as you are more likely to be hurt using a blunt tool. There should be no unnecessary things on your work table. The work needs close attention and concentration. A carver would not hold a conversation while working.
The wood should be dry with only 10–15% moisture retained. It should only be sliced along its layers, not across them, as this will cause splitting. The carver works with dry, clean hands and wears an apron over his lap. The apron gives a sense of security although little protection from cuts and wounds.