Creatives In Nature: Ildar Iksanov
Our new series Creatives In Nature starts by connecting with Moscow-based creative producer and art director Ildar Iksanov; he shares how being in nature inspires his work and life, and some of his favorite gear.
Where are you living now and what do you do for work?
I am a creative producer based in Moscow. My work includes styling and art direction for KIXBOX, a company that distributes Carhartt WIP, Stussy, BBC and other streetwear brands in Russia. I'm also a photographer and a drummer in a local new wave band called TRUD.
How has your life changed over the last 6 months?
During the quarantine the amount of my main work decreased so I had more time for my personal projects. I still try to concentrate more on photography and music. I started to bring to life some ideas which had been on my mind for a while. Together with my girlfriend we got a dog.
How have you been able to remain creative and connected?
To be honest I don't think about it much. It all happens in a moment, I see something catchy and I try to capture it. Books and magazines have defined my passion for photography. Visual literature helps me to develop frame vision, the conception of its construction.
Music seems to be a big part of your life? How did that begin and how do you feel music feeds your creative work?
It all started with a question. A friend of mine came to me and asked if I would like to play drums for their band. I couldn't play at all at that time. So I mastered some basic skills in 3 month and at that point my music career began. I believe when you have a strong motivation there is nothing impossible for you to achieve. Now I play drums in a new wave band called TRUD. And my music career will soon mark 10 years. I play DJ sets and record mixes as well. It's my hobby alongside photography. Each mix is like a journey for me, I always try to tell a story. Music helps me a lot to distract and renew.
Have you always made a point of getting into nature?
I didn't have such a connection with nature most of my life. But after my first camping five years ago I plunged into this wonderful world.
What do you learn from going hiking and camping? Do you feel different in nature?
I like the feeling of the moment. You do not use your phone and even do not take that many pictures. You just watch and try to capture these images and this minute in your memory. Because it is hard to convey all the beauty and majesty of mountains. Your brain and your body renew. You start to think bigger. Almost see yourself from the outside. That's what I miss the most in everyday life. It’s a priceless feeling
What are your favourite pieces of gear to take with you?
The best sneakers for hiking are La Sportiva Ultra Raptor for sure. I love my fleece jacket by Haglofs with Montbell Rain Hiker - it’s a great combination. For cold weather I always have my Patagonia Down Hoody with me. I bought myself a Bach backpack for camping, it’s simple and is great quality for the price. I usually wear Montbell Cliff Light or Klattermusen Vanadis 2.0 pants. Pants made from elastic and waterproof fabrics and aren’t so expensive. I also love Montbell t-shirts made from Wickron fabric.
It can be very easy to fall back into the city, our phones, computer time after being in nature—are there any tools you have to stay connected with that natural world, both inside and outside of yourself?
I really enjoy long distance walks with my dog in the midnight or early in the morning. It's a great way to pay more attention to the nature around you. When there are few people and cars around. Just leave your headphones at home and you will hear trees rustling and birds singing.
How does living in Russia influence your work, music and way at looking at the world?
I think living in Russia doesn't influence my views much. In the past 10 years I've developed my sense of taste instinctively picking right sources. Foreign books and magazines were my main guidance. In Russia the industries are not as well-developed as in Europe or in the USA. We do not have many remarkable online or printed media with a modern view on fashion and art which makes it challenging to find yourself a job to realize your taste and talents. But on the bright side I do believe that the lack of sources pushed me to always looking for more and helped me to develop my own view.
Ildar is a creative producer and stylist, working with global streetwear brands while being based in Russia. These are some photographs from his adventures into nature, part of our new series of short interviews of Creatives in Nature.
Tags: Creatives In Nature, Movement