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..]

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…]

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..]

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…]

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 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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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..]

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…]

Embracing the Tapestry of Life: A Journey of Creativity, Community, and Celebrating Every Chapter with Word Up [read more…]

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..]

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. […]

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…]

Marking yet another trip around the sun I really wanted to open up on the importance of balancing professional, personal and everything in between. I did spend some good time reflecting on the monumental moments and especially standing on a verge of a new era for me. [read more…]

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.

For almost a year now I have been teaching in an academic setting and, honestly, I have had some moments and hesitations with it. Don’t get me wrong, I love it. But I love education period. I love being able to challenge and question and, hopefully, inspire people.
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