I was born in Moscow, Russia in 1971 and by the age of 12 I began a four year program in one of the most renowned art schools in Moscow. From 1989 to 1994 I studied at the Art Department of the Moscow Teacher Training University and later worked as an artist and teacher in the Children's State Hospital, as well as in a private school. During this time I won several awards for both my work and my students'. Since 2001 I have made Chicago my home and am working as an art teacher and freelance artist.