#ARCTIC. #SIBERIA. THIS IS TAIMYR. Vladimir Kuzmin from Monchegorsk knows how to find an approach to a stone and reveal its uniqueness and beauty, even if at first glance it seems quite ordinary. The craftsman’s specialty is unique for Kola mining and metallurgical company – a grinder and polisher of stone products.
Amazing things are born in his workshop. The Monchegorsk resident told about his hobby, which has grown into a profession, but at the same time has not ceased to be a favorite thing. Vladimir Kuzmin has been working with natural materials for over 20 years. His interest in this activity arose in his youth, the Kn51 website reports.
“There is a museum of colored stone named after Vladimir Dav in Monchegorsk, where people come from all over the world. When I first came there, this place amazed me: I saw unique samples of minerals. This inspired me, and I decided to try working with stone. I completed a stone polishing course in Zapolyarny and gradually began to study this craft”, said Vladimir Kuzmin.
He began his career at the Severonikel plant as a crane operator in the metallurgical shop. Over time, he gained experience working with stone, and gradually his hobby became his main activity, bringing joy and satisfaction. His creations are born in a small workshop, which is located on the company’s industrial site in Monchegorsk. As a rule, they are associated with Monchegorsk and the Kola MMC. Each work of the master is individual and unique in its own way.
“We usually make souvenirs for memorable and anniversary dates, special events. We also present them to employees who are retiring”, said Denis Akimov, head of the Kola MMC’s business services department. “Products associated with the employee’s production activities, the city in which he lives, are especially valuable to him. And people are always pleased to get them. In addition, we give these unique works as gifts to guests, including those who come to us from other countries”.
To create products, the master uses ore, minerals and colored stones – eudialyte, fluorite, sandstone, phyllite and others. He finds materials for future works in his small homeland – the Kola peninsula. Sometimes he exchanges finds with other stone lovers.
“We live in an amazing region. The Kola peninsula is rich in various minerals. But not everyone notices the beauty that literally lies under our feet”, Vladimir Kuzmin notes. “Previously, there were many romantics in our region who were fond of searching for stones. Today, there are fewer of them. And you can more often see some kind of plastic as souvenirs on the tables, rather than natural materials”.
According to him, working with stone is not easy. It requires time, knowledge, labor and patience. But the result always justifies everything.
“There are moments when your hands get tired, but the result is worth it”, Vladimir Kuzmin emphasizes. “And when you see the finished product, you feel satisfaction that you have succeeded to discover the beauty of the mineral, show its inner world. Stones are used to create works with soul, and many of them also have healing properties”. Passionate about his work, the master approaches the process of making each of his works responsibly and with soul.
“Vladimir is a man in his place. We highly value his professionalism and personal qualities”, says Vladimir Chetvertinovsky, the KMMC general director office’s deputy head. “We are very proud of his uniqueness as a specialist and the fact that thanks to his work we are able to please our colleagues and guests with such amazingly beautiful and executed memorable gifts.
“It is nice when your products are received with warmth and delight. I am proud of the company and the team that works here, and I wish them prosperity”, the master summed up.
Earlier, This Is Taimyr reported that a Tourist Station appeared near Monchegorsk – the sports festival was held with the support of the Nornickel company.
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Text: Alexandra Voronova, Photo: Kn51.ru
