Tell us about your winning piece. What materials did you use?
I worked for a long two months [on] this Golden Dragon (pictured above). I used velvet, metallic threads, Swarovski crystals, Czech beads, and a lot of different sizes of wire that I used for [the] skeleton and wings of the beast.
So you built him from wire?
To catch the proportions and features of the structure of the dragon, I learned the anatomy of these fairy-tale creatures [from] pictures, films, and even cartoons. I molded it from clay at first because I wanted to [achieve] a 3D effect for the jewelry. Because of the wire frame, the dragon can change its position. The tail is flexible and can be [moved] in different ways.
What is the best way to wear your piece?
Golden Dragon is a big brooch. It can be worn by attaching the dragon to the shoulder or wrapping it around the arm and back. Or you can turn it into a very effective necklace.
What is the technique that you used to create his skin?
The technique I use in my work is gold sewing. It is a craft with centuries of history. Embroidery with gold threads appeared in Russia in the 9th century.
I'm not familiar with gold sewing. Can you tell us more about it?
I can make many types of embroidery, but for me, [my] most favorite technique is gold sewing. In my creations, I combine ancient and modern techniques and materials. I add beads and crystals to my embroidery.
I studied embroidery with gold in the city of Torzhok, in special school, where gold embroidery secrets are carefully kept.