MICHAEL ANANOV: “ARTISTS WORK TIRELESSLY TO DISCOVER A RECIPE FOR HARMINOUS COEXISTENCE”

ant things about yourself and your creative work. What is your creative, life credo and motivation for your creativity?

Michael Ananov: I am an essayist, playwright, poet, literary scholar, and translator of poetry. I belong to the Pushkin Society of Russian-speaking Writers “Arion,” the Writers’ Union of Georgia, the worldwide fantasy club “Fandango”, and the Writers’ Union of North America. In addition, I am the chair of the Eurasian Creative Guild’s (London) Expert Council on Poetry.
The ability to influence and motivate should be developed by all creators. That power, in my opinion, is found in the word. I try to communicate ideas and creative energy through language. When people see these, I know that my efforts are not in vain.

OCA: How did you choose your path and who is your role model in the creative field or in life?

MA: I can state with confidence that I am naturally creative. Drawing, woodburning, working with plastic, mosaics, a toy railway, and many other creative endeavours have been a part of my life since I was a little child. Thus, my course was predetermined. When I was eleven years old, I started composing poetry. I envisioned myself as an actress and rock musician when I was a teenager. I started writing adventure novels in the hopes that they would eventually be transformed into movie scripts because of this. I eventually went back to poetry, but this time I took it very seriously.

OCA: What is your main achievement(s) or positive impact on the world in 2024–2025?

MA: As I mentioned before, I have always been a creator by profession, so I have worked – and still work – to improve and make our planet more peaceful so that peoples can live in harmony with one another. I won first place in the “Voice of Friends” poetry competition in 2024–2025, first place in the “Golden Time Talent” melodramatic performance, and the title of “Stoic of Contemporary Literature” at the start of 2024 for my active creative and cultural endeavours. For my efforts to promote world peace, I have also been awarded laureate certificates on several occasions.

OCA: What is the main feature that makes you and your art/work unique?

MA: This is only my politeness, so please don’t interpret it as immodesty. I have ideas for improving the conditions of life itself, as well as several methods for resolving the catastrophe that befalls the planet and poisons its inhabitants. However, it involves having a purpose, trying to understand Truth, and being prepared to confront Golgotha for it when it comes to creativity. Every creative secretly longs to transcend reality and catch a fleeting glimpse of what is beyond the unknown. Imagination is helpful if this is out of reach, and mine looks to be on the verge of the fantastic.

OCA: Please tell us about the events or projects of the Eurasian Creative Guild (London) and projects you have already participated in and how does ECG influence your creativity and success in your work?

MA: I take part in a lot of our Guild’s projects. I was listed among the “Golden Ten” in 2021, took first place in the 2024 “Voice of Friends” poetry competition, and was awarded a diploma for entering the “Prose” contest under the heading “Generals of Peace for Peace.” In addition, I participated in the Guild’s 2021 almanac project, which honoured Walter Scott’s 250th birthday. I am the chair of the Poetry Expert Council of our Guild. On occasion, our Council hosts online themed conferences and creative evenings. I have hosted representatives of the Guild, including Marat Akhmedzhanov, on multiple occasions in Tbilisi.

OCA: How do you think the creative professions have changed and how has the role of art in the development of the world changed in the face of modern realities?

MA: This subject, in my opinion, might take up a whole dissertation. There have been significant changes in a number of artistic disciplines, not only in the professions themselves. It would have been impossible without the emergence of numerous movements in the fields of literature, music, visual arts, theater, and film. The Latin phrase necessitas acuit ingenium! means “necessity sharpens the mind.” It is precisely this creative urge and quest for a solution that keeps us from becoming lost and devolving into conflict. Artists work tirelessly to discover a recipe for harmonious coexistence.

OCA: What would you wish for the members of the Guild and other creative people who are just starting their careers?

MA: Definitely, it is essential for everyone to feel assured in the decisions they make. Numerous individuals embark on their creative journeys due to their artistic family background, whether it be a father who is a celebrated musician or the influence of a particular actor. Each aspiring artist must reflect on this aspect within themselves to realize that their work transcends mere creation; it embodies the significance of their entire existence – a journey they must pursue with certainty, fully aware that they are progressing towards their cherished Goal.