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Although there are many handicraft centers in Russia, only one town can be called its capital. About five hundred kilometers to the east of Moscow, the town of Semenov is renowned for producing khokhloma --- a very special style of Russian wood painting.
Pavel Toropov has been working as a wood carver in this factory for around 25 years.
Pavel Toropov, wood carver of Khokhloma painting company, said, "This is my first work. It’s not only for decoration, but also for daily use." Now Pavel’s two sons are following in his steps.
Alexander Toropov, Pavel’s elder son, said, "My father teaches me how to think creatively, and to produce new items. Though there are other carvers in the khokhloma factory, not everyone can design new items."
Wood carving is the essential first step in making khokhloma. The form guides the painting, and is central to the look and feel of the piece.
Pavel Toropov, wood carver of Khokhloma painting company, said, "I carved this, and my wife did the paintings. This is our collaborative work. Of course, this is a source of pride."
Pavel’s wife is a painter in the factory. She was honored as Russian Meritorious Artist in 1999. Though she has been working here for more than 20 years, she is not bored with her job.
Svetlana Toropov, painter of Khokhloma painting company, said, "If you are doing something new every time, to a creative person, how can you be bored? What I am not doing is printing the same thing over and over."
Wang Ying, Semenov, said, "So what would a room decorated with khokhloma look like? Here we have an example. The combination of red, golden and black is not a rare scene in traditional Russian arts. But these colors are especially important. Red adds warmth and strength to the artificial gold, whereas the black emphasizes its brilliance."
Though the items are wooden, they look gilded. The secret lies in a unique technique.
Oksana Razumova, painter of Khokhloma painting company, said, "We cover the items with tin powder, then put them in the kiln. At 120 degrees the silver color turns gold."
Today's popular painting themes have changed very little since the art was originally conceived in the 17th century.
The handicraft was named Khokhloma after a trade settlement in Nizhny Novgorod, where craftsmen were known for making and selling their handmade goods.
The Khokhloma handicraft seemed to be fading away in the early 20th century, but it was revitalized during Soviet times. Nowadays, this company is one of the two largest khokhloma manufacturers in Russia.
Wang Ying, Semenov, said, "The saying on the factory gate means 'golden khokhloma: Russia's heart' To foreigners, khokhloma is just a painting style, but to many local people, it represents a lifetime of devotion to art and technique."
A Semenov resident, said, "My mother has been working in the khokhloma factory many years, since she was young."
Mr. Toropov may embody this attitude best. He once almost lost his left hand while carving, but the pain is long forgotten when he thinks of his work today.
Pavel Toropov, wood carver of Khokhloma painting company, said, "When you touch the linden wood, even though you haven't started, you can feel its warmth. It seems that it's full of life. Perhaps it's a craftsman's intuition. The feeling is that it is alive."
Svetlana Toropov, painter of Khokhloma painting company, said, "Why is it called the heart of Russia? That is because all the artists devoted their hearts to the work."
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