At the age of 27, Vladimir began writing poetry and articles, many of which were published in newspapers and magazines. He graduated from two universities,and in 2011 his first book of a journalistic nature with the title “My language is my friend” was published. His other book such as “Guards of Hippocrates” – was highly appreciated in Belarus. Its circulation sold out quickly and the book was published in London in English language.
OCA: Tell us about yourself and your activity / work
VT: My career as a creative artist began when aged about thirty, my first poem ‘I Didn’t Look at Other Professions’, was published in a Soviet magazine.
I had always enjoyed singing and playing the accordion, guitar and drums as a hobby and in the nineties, in collaboration with the Belarusian composer Izmail Kaplanov, some three dozen of my poems were set to music.
It was only later on, that I turned almost exclusively and seriously to literary creativity and to date, have published nine books as well as several articles in newspapers and magazines. In 2013, I was accepted by the Union of Writers of Belarus, and as a contributor to the Military Scientific Society, published three papers on modern history and World War II.
Inspired by my interest and respect for those in white coats who work with medical weapons that save people’s lives, I wrote about doctors practicing in the harsh wartime period. Entitled ‘The Hippocratic Guards’, the book was translated into English and published in London in 2018. It received a number of high awards in Belarus and abroad and is the basis of a documentary to be screened on Medical Workers’ Day in Belarus on June 21st 2020. In addition to writing, I have spent the past two years editing the military magazine ‘Army and Culture’ and running a music and literature studio.
OCA: What is “Eurasianism” for you?
VT: For me, the concept of “Eurasianism” is a set of actions and principles that can unite the peoples of Europe and Asia, ensure a peaceful sky over both continents, and promote prosperity in all spheres of life.
OCA: What are your favourite artists?
VT: Creative activity is a three-dimensional, multi-faceted concept. Anyone who is not indifferent to their cultural environment, has favourite artists working in theatre, film, music and the visual arts, and as a writer, I can cite various authors and poets whose work has had a significant impact on my own. Those whom I consider my mentors include: Jack London, Karel Chapek, Alexey Tolstoy, Sergei Yesenin, O. Henry, Vladimir Mayakovsky, Alexander Pushkin, Anna Akhmatova, Mikhail Sholokhov, Honore de Balzac, and George Byron.
OCA: Have you taken part in the events of the Eurasian Creative Guild (London)?
VT: I have participated in almost all of the Guild’s events in Minsk, the most memorable of which are performances by ‘Lithosphere’; an amateur theatre company headed by Anastasia Kuzmicheva, a talented poet and active member of both the Guild and the Belarus Union of Writers.
I also attend Guild members’ meetings in the City Art Gallery and in the library named after the famous Belarusian classical poet Yanka Kupala and each time, come away with new impressions and feeling positively charged; both of which are invaluable to the life and work of any creative person.
OCA: What does the Eurasian Creative Guild mean to you, and how did it affect your creativity / activity?
VT: The Eurasian Creative Guild is a conceptual bridge linking the peoples of two continents and offers a platform for the free exchange of opinions and an in-depth study of the history and culture of various ethnic groups, their traditions, lifestyles, views of the world and cultural achievements. It is a platform for meetings between people of different nationalities and religions, united by a common desire to sing and affirm the benefits and joys that creativity brings to the world.
OCA: Do you have any personal projects that you would like to talk about?
VT: It is now my intention to realize a long-harboured project to write a book exploring the critical role of spirituality in people’s lives and its importance in the existence and development of any society across the globe. It is a highly complex subject which will require reworking past material, conducting an in-depth analysis of the current situation in the spiritual sphere, and gathering hard data to support each conclusion.
My ultimate aim is to identify sources of negative phenomena in this sphere, name ways to stop them and determine the prospects for achieving the proposed changes. In this regard, I would like to suggest that the Guild holds a festival on the theme of ‘High Spirituality in Creativity”.
OCA: What projects have you participated in and in which do you plan to participate?
VT: I would love to participate in such a project but in principle, am ready to support any project instigated by the Guild since the goals and objectives of the ECG meet my beliefs and interests.
OCA: What would you advise the members of the Guild, who’re just starting their career?
VT: As for newcomers, it is important to recognize that creativity and learning go hand-in-hand. Continued study of the works of the great masters is essential but take care to avoid imitation. A creative person creates in his or her own path. A template kills creativity, so strive to be unique. Focus on developing a tight plot. Don’t chase after a sensational topic. The simple things in life are often the most meaningful.