Fast forward to 2005, the dawn of the internet’s widespread influence in Russia. Denis plunged into the universe of foreign conceptual fashion designers and niche brands. It was an odyssey that profoundly resonated with his artistic vision. The artistry, deliberate imperfections, and fabrics aged by time to imbue them with naturalness and authenticity deeply moved him. It was during this time that he realized he needed to explore the world of manual craftsmanship.

A meticulously planned trip to the Arkhangelsk region, renowned for its wealth of wooden architecture and rich cultural heritage, proved transformative. Weathered cottages, resilient against time and the unforgiving northern climate, captivated Denis’s imagination. One particular decorative element, known as the ohlupen’, weathered by the Arctic’s relentless winds, left an indelible impression.

Inspired by the pristine beauty of these structures, Denis embarked on an extraordinary creative journey. One evening, within the cozy confines of one of these age-old cottages, he found himself sketching a collection of objects that encapsulated the essence of primitiveness, authenticity, and unrefined craftsmanship. In just six weeks, he crafted a collection of objects, relying solely on a chainsaw and chisel as his tools. Little did he know that these creations would beckon unforeseen opportunities, catching the eye of the English landscape company and Zaha Hadid Architects.

Further acclaim followed when a French gallerist stumbled upon Denis’s exceptional art and introduced it to Europe. As his creations gained popularity internationally, Denis’s unique talent also began to capture the attention of the Russian audience, cementing his place in the world of art.

A visit to Denis’s creative studio reveals an array of test pieces, from a revered bench bearing the marks of a chainsaw’s embrace to a cabinet adorned with Denis’s signature solaris. Bronze bowls, gently doused in silver, stand as a testament to his artistry. Oak panels, adorned with various reliefs and colors achieved through extended immersion in oil baths, grace the walls. These pieces are evidence of his unwavering commitment to craftsmanship.

The traditional technique he employs, involving hot oil to extract moisture from the wood, strengthens and enhances the wood, imparting a spectrum of colors from light walnut to resin. While some may question the results as “imperfections,” Denis maintains that these variations are integral to the material, a result of the interplay between oils and shifts in air temperature. This unpredictability serves as a wellspring of curiosity, prompting him to embark on further explorations with oak.

Immersed in Denis’s world, one encounters a sacred space that could easily pass for an altar. It’s adorned with antique treasures acquired from auctions. These heirlooms serve as a wellspring of inspiration, guiding him in his quest for forms, utility, and personal meaning. Crafted from natural materials such as wood, metal, bull horn, or even an aged cottage cheese pasochka mold, these items bear testament to his unwavering commitment to authenticity.

Denis attaches great importance to tactility, admiring textures, surfaces and fragrances all his life. This hobby goes beyond his artistic pursuits, influencing his choice of clothes and perfumes. He delves into the history of each brand, the fabrics used and the methodologies used in the creation of each product. His favorite fragrances, reminiscent of smoke, leather and tobacco, evoke nostalgia and authenticity.

Looking into the future, Denis presented his grandiose vision of a country complex, embodied in its distinctive style. From residences to interior items, his studio will become a conduit for the realization of his artistic vision, providing visitors with an exciting experience of demonstrating his unsurpassed talent.
This journey is marked by unwavering passion, and the story of  Denis Milovanov is an ode to self-knowledge and the desire for genuine creativity.