Anastasia Shik turned to art as a means of self-discovery and expression, finding joy in various creative pursuits such as crafting, drawing, and singing.
A survivor of child abuse and neglect, she spent much of her formative years in a Russian boarding school, an experience that deeply impacted her emotions and life choices.
Her passion for photography began in her teenage years, offering her a sense of empowerment and self-assurance as she explored the world from behind the lens. During a period of major life changes and reflection on her past, she embarked on a photography project focused on young children, including her own three sons. The project, while emotionally challenging, became a turning point, reigniting her artistic vision and commitment to photography.
Drawn to the complexities of sexuality, she explores its power, fragility, and destructiveness through her work. Her images often evoke intense emotions—even she sometimes finds them unsettling—but they are never indifferent.
Anastasia sees herself not just as a photographer, but as an artist. Through her craft, she has developed a clear artistic direction, a deep sense of fulfillment, and an unwavering expression of her personal identity.