Maria
Koshenkova

Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?

Originally I am from St. Petersburg (Russia) but I’ve lived and worked in Copenhagen (Denmark) for half of my life (20 years). I have a small Atelier there, shared with other artists working in different media. Recently I got invited to have an atelier at Holmegaard Værk, which was previously a major Danish glass and ceramic factory, it closed down in the 80s and was reopened as a modern museum of glass and ceramic with a really great glass studio and some artist ateliers. I do not have my own glass studio, I rent into different production facilities depending on my projects and needs.

Do you have a favourite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?

Well, I go to the sea! And actually, this is the best part of living in Denmark—the direct access to the sea! I love it! The northern sea line has a very distinct character and it’s very different from the Mediterranean coast. It has a simple, clear horizon line, without much happening. I often bike or go running there. It clears my mind and replaces mediation in some way. My works are very emotional and intensive to create—therefore the calm Danish coastline with its gentle pale colours keeps me in balance.

Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?

As you know, I am a Russian who’s lived in Denmark half of my life. I moved here long before the war started—but of course I am still Russian. Therefore my main political attention is there now. What has been going on for the last 2 years is devastating—for both Russia and Ukraine. There is no freedom of speech or independent judge system in Russia now.

If I look at Denmark—it is a safe comfortable place to be. Artists are supported both from the government and from private foundations. I cannot complain. If I had to look for the negative side—there are no major differences of opinion here. Most people are for “all the good and against all the bad”, without any idea of how it is to be from a “troubled” country. Also, there is a strong request from the artists to speak on “socially important” themes, which forces some of my artists-colleagues to twist their practice description or narrative into topics which may not naturally be their main interest. In a large scale it is a luxury being an artist in Scandinavia, where I could never be arrested for expressing my opinion.

In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years—and what has not?

Talking about Russia—it is a dictatorship where many artists had to move. In Denmark, everything is generally good. It just gets a bit scary if you have a different opinion—it is hard to speak out without pissing people off. But this is happening happening all over Europe now…and it is still better than being put to jail for it (as in Russia).

Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers—whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?

Ohh….. there are many of them in Denmark! I would recommend Holmegaard Værk first—where I have my second atelier now and do most of my artistic production.

I can definitely recommend SVFK The Danish Art Workshops—it is a totally unique place, which brings together art and design! It is a place for most Danish creatives to produce their works both large museum shows or design research free of cost! I have been at SVFK several times and I simply love it! Apart from the possibility to make your art, you also get the chance to meet so many talented people!

Is there anything particularly innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?

I think I will now talk about Denmark, where I have been working for 20 years.

• Large network of support for the artist and designers.
• The extremely high level of aesthetic in terms of everyday life. Most people have good taste (it is good but sometimes quite boring as well).
• The amount of time you can spend on the stuff you want to do.
• To cross the city takes me 30 min (on the bike) so not much time wasted on transportation (compare to larger capitals NYC, London etc).

Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?

There are many. Copenhagen is booming with food experiences. Next to my home there is Gro Spiseri—a garden on the top of a big industrial building; it is made after US examples I guess.

I also like Bar Vin and  Pomle Nakke, even though it’s far away. When I crave some French style food, I go to Cafe Wilder, in the middle of Copenhagen.

Central Copenhagen includes the city’s oldest neighborhoods with small, narrow streets and crooked houses. Here you will find some of the city’s most popular attractions, the political and historic center as well as a myriad of great shopping streets, cozy cafes, restaurants, green oases, charming canals and a modern waterfront. The main artery of the city center is the pedestrian street Strøget, that runs from City Hall Square to Kongens Nytorv. The heart of Copenhagen that we define as the city center is the area within the Lakes (Sortedam Lake, Peblinge Lake and Skt Jørgens Lake) and includes both the medieval city and Christianshavn. It is also known as Copenhagen K.

Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?

I like the Danish designer Henrik Vibskov. I think he is pretty cool.

What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?

•  Instagram
• Google (Maps, Gmail)
• Storytel

Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?

To be honest I do not consult news regularly, only sporadically when I’m in the mood or something catches my attention. I listen to a lot of podcasts when working—and they could talk about various topics—from history to science (Lex Fridman podcast for example).

Imagine you could be mayor for a year—what would you change?

In Copenhagen probably nothing. In St. Petersburg, I would change the public transport system—so it is more accessible for people with small kids or handicapped.

One last question: If you could choose another place to live—regardless of financial or time constrains—which one would you choose?

….I love Paris.