Cat Wise:

Yakushev’s distinctive approach to metal art has been sought after, taking him from Russia to international museums, art schools and professional workshops, where he’s been invited to teach, and artistic competitions, where he’s received recognitions and awards.

But for the last 2.5 years, Bend and this workshop have been his life and his refuge. Yakushev and his wife, Katia, who is also Russian, arrived in the U.S. in mid-February 2022 to teach at blacksmithing events.

Katia Yakushev, Wife of Anton Yakushev: We were planning to spend in the States about three months, and then Russia invaded Ukraine in — at the end of February. And we realized that we’re not able to go back to Russia.