I grew up in Leningrad, Soviet Russia, where I was surrounded by palaces and artistic masterpieces, but where producing art outside of Soviet Realist Style was a dangerous proposition. Despite the disapproval of my parents, I received support from my teachers and won free art instruction. I went on to win country wide children's art competitions and had my work published in books and displayed at museums as part of competition awards. When I immigrated to the US as a teenager, as many immigrants, I pursued education that would provide me a more secure source of income than art. I received a BA in History from Carleton College and a JD from University of Michigan School of Law. After five years of practicing law, however, and after paying back my education loans, I switched course and returned to my calling, art and painting. I was able to attract clients to pay for my murals and commission canvas work, and, eventually, add design services to my skills. I have painted large scale murals in Temple Bet Shalom, Eden Prairie schools, local stores, healthcare and wellness facilities, hair salons, restaurants, and other businesses. But the core of my work is private residential interiors and painting commissions.