Gogoliev Kronides Alexandrovich is almost the only master in the whole of Russia in the field of relief woodcarving. He is the proud title of People's Artist of Russia, Honored Artist of Russia and culture, as well as Laureate of the State Prize of Russia.

The pictures carved in wood, dedicated to the Republic of Karelia, as well as hometown Sorvatala Ladoga and harsh nature. Besides, there are illustrations of the Karelian epic "Kalevala". Most of the works devoted to the well-known master everyday life of the peoples of northern village with the extraordinary beauty of life and wisdom, lifestyle, formed by centuries-old traditions and daily chores. Also, the artist carves everyday objects, such as frames for clock, candlesticks, lamps and various fairy-tale characters.

Kronides Alexandrovich was born July 13, 1926 in the Novgorod region in the family of the former priest. In Greek Kronides means "Zeus." Already in the 16 years the young boy got to the front, taking part in the battles for the liberation of Estonia, East Prussia, Poland and the Leningrad region. The war ended for him in Germany. Kronides was wounded and shell-shocked even, for which he received many military decorations.

In 1953 Gogoleva took Leningrad Art and Graphic pedagogical school. Acquired in an excellent teacher training college, he went to work in Karelia. For 4 years he worked in the village Kestenga, but soon moved to the city of Sortavala. In addition to the basic work, the celebrated master of the lessons taught in school and studio of amateur artists, and also studied at the correspondence department of the Leningrad Pedagogical Institute named after AI Herzen.

In September 1967 Kronides Gogoliev organized the children's school of art that glorified Sortavala and its outstanding and talented director all over the country. Has a wonderful gift of teacher Kronides Alexandrovich taught school for 20 years. As a talented distinctive artist who intensively developed the tradition of folk art of Gogolevo started talking in 1984 after Moscow hosted two of its exhibitions. Many experts felt that at that moment there was a revival of the lost true achievements of the Russian school of woodcarving, but in a new, more advanced level.

In 1985 Gogoliev Kronides Alexandrovich became an honorary member of the Union of Artists. From this moment all his works can be seen in the thematic exhibitions not only in our country but also abroad.

Each job created by hands of a master, has its own unique and unique features. All the works are unified by a observant and reverent attitude to everything that is created by nature itself. Gogoliev able to skillfully and artfully use plastic, all the warmth and texture of wood, highlighting the natural power of the deep multi-layer reliefs from alder and basswood. The largest number of paintings, carved wooden hands of a master, seem literally "voiced" in their subject matter can be heard unhurried whisper people and fairy-tale characters, as well as observe the peaceful lapping of the waves, feel the unmatched aroma of pine forest and hear sailing wind noise in fishing boats.

In the works miraculously transferred the relationship between man and nature and attention to every detail and trivia. Through their works of Gogol opens the viewer a wonderful spiritual aspect of northern peoples, the subtle perception of urban and rural life in the province. Skilled craftsmen of wooden architecture seeks as much as possible to convey his innermost feelings, creating a multi-piece, open, deep songs that so clearly emphasize not only the depth, but also the importance of every second of human life.

Many people have a talent for understanding the world in feeling, but few can recreate this perception in his work. Kronides A. Gogoliev is one of those unique people, under whose hands the pieces of wood literally come to life and sing, and this song is particularly intimate and sincere, because it comes from the heart.