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Find out more about Ksenia

• When did you start practicing? How did this passion find you?

  I started drawing when I was little, always had a sketchbook with me. I trained as a fine artist and then studied cultural policy for my MA and have been working in the creative industry as well as teaching art and exhibiting my work ever since. I've shown in the Saatchi Gallery, at the Bargehouse OXO Tower and a range of other high profile venues. My practice is mainly painting and immersive installation focused on how tradition and crafts offer us the skills to cope with modern life, where we are overwhelmed by the rush of the city and the constant stream of information.

• Which artists or works affect you the most?

  I love the work of Ilya Kabakov, he is an Eastern European installation artist, who creates immersive works inspired by his life and struggles in the USSR. He focuses on found objects, and makes beautiful collections of them, presenting every day 'rubbish' as artefacts of specific people that mean something.

• What are the qualities and skill required to succeed in this area?

  I think resilience is one because the industry is very saturated, so you need to be able to hear 'no' and keep going and believing in yourself because if your art means something to you, it will mean something to other people too.
  
  And a sense of play is absolutely essential. Being able to experiment, not being afraid of failure, being vulnerable - these are all things that help in life, but also in your practice. It is all about being able to imagine your creative world and then bring it to life.

• What is the most valuable advice you can give to help someone stay focused on creative projects?

  I also think you have to be dedicated to your practice. I used to wait for inspiration, but creativity does not work that way - you have to make for your muse to come. She does not visit those that don't take action.

• How would you describe your passion; how does it make you feel?

  I care deeply about my work both as an educator and an artist, I feel it gives me a sense of purpose and a chance to share my thoughts with others. It's the creative exchange that really makes it worth it, and the critical view of the audience uncovers new messages in my work I may not have seen.

• What creative achievements are you particularly proud of?

  I've been away from educating in the past year or so because I've been working on some huge events and festivals, as well as my own projects as an artist including exhibitions at Battersea Arts Centre, community making workshops, and festivals all over London. I am now back with even more drive to help people get into the industry or grow their creativity. I've also been running a creative careers consultancy where I help young people get into the industry. It's been a huge privilege to bring this back to my teaching practice.

• Have you ever been surprised by a student; by their ability or quick progression?

  I have some methodologies that generally help students progress quickly, but I had one particular child I was working with, he was 11 and his progress was exponential. I think it was down to his passion for art and wanting to do it every spare moment he got. He also won several art competitions using his work, and a scholarship, which was a super proud moment for me.

• Being a Superprof is an art! What is your secret?

  Checking messages is definitely part of it, I've had a few where I haven't received the notifications, so you really have to be on it. But in terms of teaching, I think it's allowing students the space to express themselves and supporting them when they feel like they are struggling. There is no such thing as failure in art (and in life), it's kind of like coaching - you have to go with the flow, and if something goes awry, pretend it was meant to happen and make something even better out of it.