He's an award-winning blacksmith, metal artist, and sculptor from Russia who now calls Bend home. Eric Lindstrom introduces us to Anton Yakushev, his wife Katia, and their incredible story of starting over after opposing the Ukraine war.
On a cold Thursday morning inside Dry Canyon Forge in Bend, Anton Yakushev is hard at work. He's a world-renowned blacksmith, metal artist, and sculptor from Russia whose art is on display around the world. But he now calls Bend home.
"He really loves to create his own worlds," his wife, Katia said, translating for Anton.
Anton and Katia were uprooted from their home outside Moscow when the war in Ukraine began.
"So we were born and raised in Russia. It's Moscow suburbs. It's like about two hours back from Moscow," Katia said.
Anton's mother is Ukrainian. Through his art and on social media channels, Anton took a stance and made it clear that he would not support a Russian invasion.
"Because of our Ukrainian background, it was super dangerous," Katia said.
When the war began, Anton and Katia were out of the country. They feared if they returned, it would be unsafe and they would be arrested. With only two pieces of luggage to their names, they applied for visas to the United States and started their lives over.
"And that was it. So we just had to start a new life over here," Katia said.
In Bend, they have found artistic collaborators and a community of support that causes them to tear up when they talk about it.
"We are so blessed, and we appreciate all the help so much. It's just unbelievable, honestly," Katia said.
It becomes abundantly clear that Anton loves his work, his new home, and spending as much time as possible at Dry Canyon Forge.
Later this month, Anton's latest piece will be installed at the High Desert Museum -- a spectacular bald eagle that Anton created with a team of local metal artists.
"So they finished the Eagle Project in three days. It was five blacksmiths and metal artists, and it has about 400 feathers, so it was a lot of work," Katia said.
Another feather in the cap for an award-winning artist who is surviving and thriving a long way from home.
"We just wanted to highlight that Bend became our home. This is very important," Katia said.
Beyond creating his own art, Anton loves teaching at workshops, collaborating with other artists on projects, and continually learning new techniques.
Eric Lindstrom, Reporter | Central Oregon Daily News
Eric Lindstrom has been with Central Oregon Daily News since the launch of the newscast in 2016. He’s an 11x Emmy-nominated feature reporter, writer, editor, and videographer whose stories are known to make a positive impact on the community. He has a degree from Chapman University in film/documentary production and has put his skills to use by producing numerous documentary specials and multi-part series for Central Oregon Daily News.
Email Eric at elindstrom@centraloregondaily.com
