Hi! I want to share a short update on what’s been happening in my art practice.
I’ve spent almost all of 2025 working on a new series called “shum sosen.” It’s the Russian phrase “the sound of the pines” written in Latin letters. The series is based on real pine trees I’ve seen in the taiga and on the cliffs along the Sea of Japan — often solitary, twisted, and very expressive. The name came to me after reading in a book on tea ceremony that “the wind in the pines” is the stage of boiling water when the sound resembles wind moving through pine needles.
This summer was quite busy with trips and side work, so most of the progress on the series happened earlier in the year and then again in autumn. Over the past few months, I’ve tried to give more time to painting to finish the project before the year ends.
One of the works from the series has already been purchased by an interior designer. This is always a huge joy and inspiration for me. Preparing the piece for shipping took a few days — packing, buying linen, printing certificates. I always worry a bit before sending off a painting, but it turned out to be unnecessary: the feedback I received was very warm.
The materials I use in this series are simple but meaningful to me. I’m working with water-based ink and paper from an old Soviet photo album I found at my grandmother’s house. The album was never used, but when I saw it, I immediately noticed how lovely the pages were — with an interesting texture and a slight change of color from time. Ink behaves beautifully on this paper.
I didn’t film the last few pieces — I just wanted to work quietly, without setting up the camera. Soon, I’m planning to create a one-hour playlist with the painting process and music, without commentary. Right now, I’m in the process of selecting the tracks.
Warm wishes,
Ani
Ani
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