A Path to Quiet Joy
Diamond painting has become a surprising source of mindfulness and joy for me, teaching patience, focus, and the beauty of imperfection. Through this simple, meditative activity, I’ve found a new way to embrace gradual progress and creativity without pressure. Each session is a reminder to enjoy the journey, one tiny bead at a time.
The Future We Seek
I took a moment to reflect on the concept of futurity and the importance of being present, inspired by the event Baobab Nights: Tomorrow’s Dreams by Omek. It's so interesting to observe how our future is shaped by our understanding of history and the significance of cultivating inner expansiveness. By being fully present and allowing creativity and growth to unfold naturally, I aim to nurture balance, peace, and self-value.
Balancing Perspectives: Tech, Humanity, and the Future
Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to be part of the organizing team for Balancing Acts: Striking Harmony Between Technology and Humanity, an event held at the iconic EYE Film Museum. In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, businesses are leveraging automation and innovation in unprecedented ways. [read more...]
Soundscapes of Reflection at Amsterdam Fringe
Producing None of Us Are Enjoying This at the Amsterdam Fringe Festival was a truly remarkable experience. This spoken word and soundscape performance, brought to life by the talented Jackie Ashkin and Jędrzej Jędraszyk, was a journey that felt as immersive behind the scenes as it was for the audiences who attended. [Read more..]
Behind the Scenes at the WWII Restitution Symposium
On September 12th, 2024, the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE) hosted a remarkable international symposium on the future of WWII Restitution Policies. It was an event where experts, historians, and cultural leaders gathered to explore vital issues around provenance research and restitution, and I had the honor of working with a fantastic team to help make it happen. [read more...]
Erotic Poetry on Stage
I had the pleasure of supporting Kevin-Ahn Kwang Soo-Groen, the brilliant organizer behind the event, who brought together a stunningly diverse lineup of artists, poets, musicians, and performers. The night was everything it promised to be—sensual, raunchy, humorous, and deeply moving. Whether it was raw fantasies, stories of dates gone right (or hilariously wrong), or intimate moments of self-reflection, the performers bared their souls and took us on an emotional journey.
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Exploring the Cultural-Business Synergy
Recently, I had the immense privilege of being invited to the National Cultural Forum at Vytautas Magnus University (VDU) in Kaunas organized by the National Association of Creative and Cultural Industries. [read more…]
Guns, Politics, and the Power of Poetry
In a world often clouded by political divisiveness and cultural complexities, events like the recent gathering organized by the John Adams Institute where I attended a discussion on "Merchants of the Right: Gun Sellers and the Crisis of American Democracy" by Jennifer Carlson, followed by a captivating spoken word performance by Jackie Ashkin, serve as poignant reminders of the multifaceted nature of our society.
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Strengthening Bonds
Last week marked a significant occasion as I had the pleasure of participating in a two-day visit of Edmundas Jakilaitis to the Netherlands, an event curated by the Embassy of Lithuania in the Netherlands. [read more…]
celebrate moments, words and connections
Embracing the Tapestry of Life: A Journey of Creativity, Community, and Celebrating Every Chapter with Word Up [read more…]
When there was no Christmas
I grew up with no Christmas.
It was forbidden. Everything associated with religion, family and Christmas peace, according to the Soviets, was supposed to disappear, but it never did. They tried to convince that Christmas is a pagan holiday celebrated only by dark people and that educated communists do not engage in such nonsense. I grew up with Christmas that was a very different experience. [read more..]
(un)framing moments
The magic truly happens in the "behind the scenes" moments. It's the connection forged with my subjects, the shared laughter, the whispered stories, and the unspoken bonds that become an integral part of the visual tale. These moments are the heartbeat of my artistry, the raw emotions that infuse life into every frame. […]
ecosystems within
Past few weeks have been a journey. Out of my comfort zone mostly, out of the usual crazy schedule to an even more timed existance. I received an invitation to speak at a Forum “Culture + Ecology” and I walked into my fear. [read more…]
Behind the Scenes: Unveiling the Making of the 'Programmers of the Future' Expo
Today signifies the conclusion of the enchanting and thought-provoking "Seeing the Unwritten" exposition. It was a very special experience being able to witness the making of and the living of exposition by the Programmers of the Future which was a part of the greater project of EYE film museum.
[Photo] Black Hair Workshop
So grateful to be able to capture some beautiful moments at a workshop organized by Film Forward about Black Hair on Set on March 12th 2023 at MACA in Amsterdam.
[Photo] MACA March 02, 2023
Some photo moments captured at friends and neighbours drinks at MACA at NDSM Amsterdam.
Reflection on: War Beyond the Borderlines
Being a day away from crossing the line of one year since the war started in Ukraine, since unexpecting people heard bombs falling, since millions of people faced the change of their lives that can never be repaired. I am so humbled by kind and graceful approach [..]
[Photo] LOADS Festive Dinner
Some moments from a beautiful and cozy dinner with colleagues from LOADS Amsterdam on the 23rd of December 2022.
[Photo] Labyrinth is Six
Spoken word poetry came into my life in a big way maybe in 2010. More than a decade ago. I have been inspired, moved and intriqued that much, I actually dared to create an event for it. That was 2011. In 2015 it morphed into Word Up through which and thanks for Kevin Groen, I have been introduced to a beautiful space in Amsterdam - Labyrinth. It’s run by Lindsey and Sam - a beautiful duo that created home for poets, outcasts, storytellers, musicians and just souls looking for inspiration, soul food - literally and figuratively… [read more]