Apr 26

Apr 26 Alexey Vasilyev

Coeval Magazine

photography

@lekon_v is a real force of nature. Calm and meticulous he works himself into the scenarios of every day life in Yakutia. The land of the extreme cold winters of -55°C and of the independent film in Russia.

When did you find your passion for photography? Do you recall a certain moment?

To be honest, I don't remember this moment in my life. I always thought that photography was just a hobby. Rescue from routine. Freedom.

Gradually, I began to come to the conclusion that it was time to make a decision. I could continue to work in an unloved job and receive a stable salary or do what I loved, but without any guarantee of a stable life. I decided to try the second one and I still live the way I do.

How is life in Yakutia during Covid-19? What impact does the pandemic have on your work at the moment?

Now everything is back to normal. Only masks on humans remind of a pandemic. But what came last year really looked like some kind of doomsday movie. I do not think that life in Yakutia during the pandemic was anything different from life in some European province. Everyone sat at home with loved ones, got bored, tried to entertain themselves with something, etc. At the moment, the pandemic is not affecting my work in any way. I work in Yakutia, everything is fine with me.

What is one of your most favorite pictures you took so far – and why is that so?

Actually I have so many favorite photos that I just don't know which one is the best. I love them all. Each photo is dear to my heart.

You seem to move around a lot for your photography: tell us how a normal day looks like in the life of Alexey Vasilyev?

I wake up very early: at 7 to 8 a.m. and I make myself coffee. I never have proper breakfast, because I have no food, I live alone. Then I check my mails, answer letters. After that I'm going on business. I meet with people, discuss the upcoming shooting. And in the evening I go home, open a Netflix series (I love documentaries), eat food that I bought from a nearby store. I watch TV shows until 12 at night, read books and go to bed.