Seeing my photograph published in The Word’s Faire “The Feast” has been a very special moment for me. As a photographer, I’ve always aimed to capture moments that tell a story, evoke emotion, and share beauty with the world. And to have this opportunity to be seen in the copy of the publication is a very special experience.

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Crafting an authentic Lithuanian "sodas" is a deeply enriching experience that goes far beyond the creation of a beautiful object. A sodas., which translates to "garden" in English, is a traditional Lithuanian ornament made from straw, characterized by its intricate geometric designs. These delicate mobiles have been an integral part of Lithuanian culture for centuries, carrying profound symbolism and connecting the maker to a rich heritage of craftsmanship and spirituality.
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As I sat down to reflect on another year, I was filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and wonder. A year has passed since I last reflected on the words of Anaïs Nin, "We don't see things as they are; we see them as we are." Today, I find myself contemplating another profound idea by Charles Horton Cooley: “I am not what I think I am, and I am not what you think I am. I am what I think you think I am.” [read more..]

In my vision, it was a sunny afternoon in 1964, and I can almost see a young Danielius Kvartunas, at the tender age of 16, holding his very first camera—a "Smena 6"—with a sense of pride and excitement. This simple, yet cherished, piece of equipment became an extension of his being, a portal through which he could freeze time and capture the essence of his surroundings. Decades later, we celebrate his - my fathers - legacy through a photography exposition that takes us on a journey back to those early days, offering a vivid glimpse into the world as he saw it.
Danielius Kvartunas’ photographs are not just images; they are windows into the past. Each photograph tells a story, painting a picture of life as it was in 1964.
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Nestled in the heart of Vilnius on Gediminas Avenue, the majestic Pirklių Rūmai stands as a testament to the seamless blend of historical grandeur and modern innovation. This architectural gem, originally constructed in 1913 by the Merchants’ Club, exudes an aura of elegance and luxury that captivates every visitor. Today, I had the pleasure of exploring this remarkable palace with my dear friend Marina Zinovič, a passionate event organizer dedicated to connecting people and fostering vibrant communities. [read more…]

The amazing Christina Kefala extended the invitation to be a guest speaker for CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange) students, where I shared my life journey and insights on the transformative power of creativity. The experience was both exhilarating and humbling, as I had the opportunity to connect with bright, inquisitive minds and delve into the fascinating world of creativity. [read more…]

Today, I had the incredible privilege of visiting the Embassy of Bangladesh in The Hague, courtesy of Ambassador Riaz Hamidullah and Mrs. Sazia Ahmed. I was there for an inspiring lecture by my dear friend, Dr. Shahana Siddiqui, about the intricate and beautiful sarees of Bangladesh. This enriching experience not only deepened my appreciation for this traditional garment but also sparked a newfound curiosity to explore more about the rich culture and history of Bangladesh and its surrounding regions. [read more…]

Reflecting on my experience teaching a summer intensive course at CIEE fills me with immense pride and gratitude. Over three intense weeks, I had the privilege of guiding a dedicated group of students through a rigorous curriculum, meeting for four hours every day. What made this journey particularly impactful was our embrace of embodied learning. [read more..]

Recently, I was invited to be a guest lecturer for a group of high school exchange students at the CIEE offices in Amsterdam thanks to the kind invite extended by Bruno Miguel Correia and Daria Zelenukhina. This opportunity was particularly meaningful to me because it allowed me to share insights on a subject that is deeply personal and crucially important: the humanistic approach to understanding and supporting refugees and migrants. [read more..]

As the founder of Word Up, I am filled with gratitude and inspiration as I reflect on the unforgettable evening we shared at the Van Gogh Museum on May 31st. Vincent on Friday - DREAMS - Word Up Showcase was not just an event, but a profound celebration of creativity, community, and the transformative power of female voices in spoken word poetry. [read on…]

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…]

As a photographer, I often find myself in the privileged position of witnessing and immortalizing moments of significance in people's lives. But nothing quite prepared me for the honor of documenting my friend's doctoral defense in the grand Lutheran church of old Amsterdam. [read more…]

A little reflection on my trip to visit and old friend and some old and not so old sights around Leeds, the UK. [Read more…]

What a humbling feeling to close another memorable semester teaching and holding space for growth and inspiration. I find myself reflecting on the profound journey that teaching Intercultural Communication and Leadership is and how much it has illuminated the transformative power of genuine connection and the beauty of embracing vulnerability. [read more…]

After more than a decade, I found myself returning to Copenhagen, a city that holds countless memories from my past. But this time, the journey wasn't solely about revisiting familiar streets and landmarks; it was about rekindling a connection, one that had only recently sparked into existence.

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In the rhythm of our daily lives, there often comes a moment when the soul yearns for respite, a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle. For me, that sanctuary lies in the embrace of travel—the opportunity to explore new or already familiar horizons, immerse myself in cultures, and reconnect with the essence of life itself. This time, my journey led me to the sun-kissed shores of Puglia, Italy, [read more…]

Last night, amidst the warm glow of the Lili Centre in Luzern, surrounded by friends and colleagues, something truly special unfolded. It was the opening of Lina Petravičiūtė's solo exhibition, "Ringo 1986" – a deeply personal journey into the depths of pain, vulnerability, and healing.

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But I did. Through the rainy streets of Utrecht I followed my way into a cozy cafe to find my dear dear friend Jackie preparing for her premiere of “None of Us Are Enjoying This” crafted by her with collaborator Jędrzej Jędraszyk. To me it was not merely a performance but an invitation to pause, contemplate, and feel. [read more..]

In the face of this deafening silence, a ray of hope emerges with the global premiere of "War on Education." Directed by Stefano di Pietro, this compelling film delves deep into the heart of Ukraine's struggle, shedding light on a dimension of the conflict too often relegated to the sidelines.

As the sun gently set over the picturesque landscapes of Friesland, I was grateful to be there at Museum Belvédère for a remarkable cultural event thanks to the Embassy of Lithuania graciously extended invitation. [read more…]