Meet Mila Strugatsky

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mila Strugatsky.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born in the Ukraine and raised in Moscow until 16 years old. The family immigrated to Israel and then France for a couple of years. Came to the US and settled in New York, where I attended the School of Art and Design and the Pratt Institute, majoring in fine arts. Later I also graduated from the Rhodec School of Design, majoring in architectural and interior design. After graduating from the Pratt Institute I worked in the illustration industry and exhibited my art in major New York galleries. A few years later I formed a design/build company, called Art and Hammer, doing architectural design and construction management.

Ten years ago I fell in love with Arizona and decided to relocate to the state. In Phoenix, I had a new vision to create a collaboration space to connect all of the art disciplines that I enjoy. I aligned my concept with the famous Bauhaus movement. I call my space BAHaus. I met and connected with many creative artists in all the different cultural areas. At the BAHaus, we have hosted art exhibitions, musical performances, a symphony orchestra, an opera singer, classical ensembles, dance groups, poets, and theatrical performances.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I came to Arizona alone after a divorce . I was determined to make a better life for myself. I  had to find new friends and learn new skills how to survive in a new life and pursue my vision.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
It is not unusual when an artist of one medium gets involved in other artistic disciplines. It is combining these disciplines that let me explore innovation and produce exciting original productions.

I am an established artist in Fine Arts/oil painting. My work is conceptual realism.

I am also an architectural and interior designer, creating an artistic language for livable spaces. Today I produce art elements for architectural space. As I have an understanding of both, the construction and the art, I successfully bring depth to the spaces and aesthetic experience for people to enjoy. My knowledge of construction taught me different skills and the use of tools.

At the BAHaus, I and our team created the Marionette theater. We designed the entire project from concept to performance. We build the marionettes from wood and clay including their costumes. We call them “ actors” we also design and build the stage. The work involves music editing , I do play the piano ,and lighting design. I collaborated with a professional clown from Poland to improve my marionette skills. The marionette theater is also conceptual and innovative. I view the theater as an extension of Fine Arts and craft it with the same details and love.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
It takes a village. I am looking for theatrical and artistic people who share my passion for the arts and marionette theater to join me in developing this project on a bigger scale.

Contact Info:

• Website: Milastrug.com
• Instagram: Mila Strugatsky
• Facebook: Mila Strugatsky