Anatoly Kalashnikov- Ex Libris artist.

Ten years ago or so while I was living in Kiev, Ukraine, I met an artist who became a good friend of mine. His name is Igor Krisachenko, and he teaches art at the Shevchenko University in downtown Kiev. Through meeting Igor I was able to meet Anatoly Kalashnikov. Anatoly is an Ex Libris artist, a book plate artist. He has commissions from all over the world, and does extremely well. I was completely unaware of book plate art until i met him.

I didn't realize that ther was such a strong movement of book plate artists internationally, and have met other great book plate artists through Igor and Anatoly.

What i find most interesting is that the actual book plate print isn't as valued as the wood-block or lino-cut that was carved to make the print. I am in the process of commissioning Anatoly to make a plate for me, and I can't wait to see what he comes up with. I would have commissioned him before now,  but I didn't have the cash in 1995. I will post more about this when Anatoly finishes my commission.

These are just a sampling of what Anatoly has done.