Anton A. Derbilov (Patrik)

Anton Anatoliyovych Derbilov was born on August 18, 1979, in Kharkiv. Before the full-scale invasion, Anton Derbilov was a musician, artist, and sculptor. He played in the band "Alcohol Ukulele" and passionately danced flamenco. He is also a well-known miniature sculptor. He and his wife Kateryna are the founders of the studio "Sirko Toys." Anton's creations adorn the cities of Ukraine and neighboring countries. The master created his works in granite and marble, in wood, and cast them in metal and plastic. Several of the sculptor's creative works are dedicated to outstanding figures in the arts (V. Meyerhold, M. Tsvetaeva, H. Tukai). The generalized image - "Pegasus" - (plastic/casting) - is a symbol of memory for the fallen poets of the 20th century. Anatoliy Derbilov participated in many foreign exhibitions, and his works have been acquired by private collectors and included in museum collections. The artist created miniature sculptures that embodied the images of prominent historical figures, soldiers (from armies of all times and nations), as well as fairy-tale and fantasy characters. His work is characterized by fidelity to natural forms and historical accuracy in details of clothing, whether military or folk. At the request of the organizers of the Kyiv project "Legendary," a series of Ukrainian characters was created - Bohdan Stupka as Taras Bulba, Bohdan Khmelnytsky, Ivan Bohun, Sahaidachny, Ivan Mazepa, Marisya Churai, ataman Sirko, and the molfar. Molded from monochromatic plastic, these figurines and busts are later cast in bronze or model resin, and then collectors can paint them with acrylic paints if they wish. Anton Derbilov's miniature sculptures have been exhibited multiple times at specialized exhibitions in Ukraine and abroad. These delicate and exquisite miniature creations evoke admiration and interest among collectors worldwide. At the very beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russian troops into Ukraine, on February 26, 2022, Anton volunteered to go to the front as part of the 5th Slobozhansk Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine. According to his comrades, he quickly learned military affairs. He liberated the cities of Balakliya and Izium and took part in the toughest battles in Donetsk region. "He was an example for everyone present. He came to the front as a civilian, and we as military personnel. He brought a lot of humanity here. He promised to paint my portrait, but we kept delaying: first it was Balakliya, then we moved on. He never got to paint it..." recalls comrade Boroda. "He always moved forward, he was the bravest fighter among us. Even in the most difficult moments, he managed to show the way with his jokes and mood. Anton was a role model for me, a wonderful family man. I always looked at him with such pride; I don't even know how to express it. He always smiled, always joked, supported, and offered his shoulder," says comrade of the fallen fighter, Maksym Matviyenko. On April 6, 2023, during a mortar shelling, Anton Derbilov sustained a shrapnel wound to the head, incompatible with life. "He shouldn't have gone out with us; the circumstances were such. He went on a mission - and then they were shelled instantly; unfortunately, a fragment hit his head," recalls comrade Boroda about the circumstances of the guard's death. Anton was a loving husband and raised three talented daughters. "He was a lion, a proud lion; he loved himself very much, but we all know there was nothing he loved more than us and his home, which he defended and protected," says the fallen soldier's daughter, Sofia. Anton Derbilov was buried on April 12, 2022, in Kharkiv, in the Alley of Glory, alongside other soldiers who died during the Russian-Ukrainian war. For personal courage and selfless actions displayed in defense of the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and loyalty to the military oath, Anton Anatoliyovych Derbilov was posthumously awarded the Order of "For Courage" III degree.