(Russian)

Michael Garmash was born in 1969, in the city of Lugansk, Ukraine.  He began painting at age 3, and 6 years old, started his formal education at the Lugansk Youth Creative Center.  In 1987, Michael graduated valedictorian at the Lugansk State Fine Art College and taught there in 1988.  From 1989 to 1991, he served in the army, and in 1992 enrolled in one of the best art schools in Europe, the St. Petersburg Academy of Art.  Five years later he graduated first in his class.  During his student years, he started exhibiting in galleries in France and Russia, and was invited to participate in art auctions throughout France.

Inessa Garmash was born in 1972, in the city of Lipetsk, Russia.  Since early childhood Inessa excelled in ballet, gymnastics & music.  She attended classes in all these area, entering Lugansk Fine Art School at the age of 15.  Two years later she was accepted as the year’s best undergraduate student.Michael and Inessa met when on the last day of a two week leave from the army, Michael went to visit his former school.  They met at a bus station.  The next day Michael did not go back to his division, instead he spent the next day and night, painting Inessa’s image on various walls & staircases that lead to her apartment.  He was arrested first by the city police, then handed over to the MP’s, but not punished.  Even military personnel seemed to sympathize with true love.   They were later married.