In search of myself and connecting to the world

I was born and raised in a family and a nation that experienced the collective trauma of the 2nd World War, Stalin’s tyranny, and a dictatorship. People had fitted answers to questions “What? Why? And How?” My self-image is defined as “We”, and I had a strong sense of responsibility for the actions and well-being of others.

Through my immigration journey that carried the history of generations, I had a persistent question “Who Am I?” I have a deep curiosity about the essence of relationships in self, nature, and people's lives. I am drawn to experiencing the process of knowing… Questions and inner conversations helped me in understanding my past and myself. The journey of growing embraces the pain of loss and the beauty of found.

To me, learning and moving forward happens through experience and conversations. Stories often carry a “key” to a new insight. I often experience a story in shapes and colors. Working with clay has been a visual language expressing my feelings and thoughts. In a way it helps me to embody new insights with curiosity and without judgment… Art and nature became my allies in reflecting on my or others’ experience.

I am tuned to other peoples’ pain. I would love people to see possibilities to gain light and steadiness. I can see how open dialogue and sharing stories can bring new colors and meaning to their story.