Model Builder International Pilot Issue Model Builder International Pilot Issue | Page 25

sculpting
life
an interview with
bravo 6 owner,

vladimir demchenko
ken conklin

I recently had the opportunity to interview Vladimir
Demchenko, the owner and sculptor of BRAVO6
figures. During my interview I was able to get
some insight on how he develops his figures and
his state of mind while sculpting. I hope you enjoy
our interview with Vladi as much as I enjoyed
speaking with him.
How did you discover modeling?
It was in the early 1980‘s, when I was about 7 or 8
years old. I began building models of 1/72nd scale
planes, because at that time the USSR had just
started producing models from ex-FROG molds.
This is why almost all of the modelers in the USSR
started out modeling airplanes. For me, I believed
that “assembly models” consisted only of aircraft
subjects, because I did not know about any other
types. Even though all we had were aircraft models,
I developed a great interest in the hobby. I liked the

process, the work involved, and the final outcome
of the assembled model.
What is your biggest inspiration when you create a
new figure?
It can be a new photo album, an interesting photo
from the web or historical film footage. I will often
begin to think about some “virtual” diorama in my
mind and try to fill it with my figures. When I can
imagine a figure completely – I can make it.
Every day, I see many real people around me
and look at their poses, movements, faces, and

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