When I was a child or very young, I believed I was devoid of creativity. The traditional markers of artistic ability eluded me - I struggled to put together stylish outfits, couldn't craft elaborate desserts, and fumbled with scissors during arts and crafts at school. These experiences led me to label myself as "uncreative," a belief that clung to me for years.
However, as I ventured into different fields of study and accumulated a wealth of diverse experiences, my perspective underwent a profound shift. I came to understand that creativity isn't confined to a narrow set of skills or talents. Rather, it's a multifaceted concept, a spark that resides within every individual, waiting to be ignited.
For me, this awakening of creativity manifests in numerous forms. I find my creative voice through the rhythmic flow of poetry and the storytelling in my blog posts. I breathe life into characters and weave intricate plots in romance novels. My eye for aesthetics comes alive in design projects and through the lens of my camera. I explore visual storytelling in film, express emotions on canvas through painting, and experiment with flavors and textures in the kitchen.
Yes, it's a lot - poetry, blogging, romance writing, design, photography, filmmaking, painting, and cooking. But what I find most exhilarating is the ability to blend these various forms of expression. Creativity, I've discovered, isn't about excelling in one area, but about finding connections between different passions and letting them inspire each other. This realization has not only enriched my work but has also given me a deeper appreciation for the creative potential that exists within all of us.
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Which book has left the strongest impression on me? Oh! That's a very difficult question for someone who had to read around 100 books for just one exam in college, and after college, the number of books read is countless. But if I must, I would say that it is not a novel, nor poetry, nor Joyce or Dostoevsky, but a dramatic text. At this moment, I place "Waiting for Godot" at the top. There is so much philosophy in this non-philosophical parody, and so much complexity in the simplicity of these dialogues. Timeless!
What do I consider my greatest failure? That I missed the opportunity to learn to speak at least four world languages fluently.
What do I consider my greatest success? That I started a family in a time that is not favorable to families.
What is my favorite romance novel? "Jane Eyre." A classic among classics.
Which love story did not touch me? "P.S. I Love You."
The most vividly portrayed love? Between Daniel Lavatte and May Ling in Howard Fast's fantastic novel 'Immigrants'
What is my favorite film adaptation? The French version of "The Count of Monte Cristo" from 2024. A true spectacle. Hollywood with French charm.
Why do I love small cinematographies and auteur films? Because such a world can never be discovered elsewhere. For example, the Kazakh film "Tulpan" tells the story of a young man who must marry to get a herd, but the only girl in that vast steppe does not want him because he has floppy ears. Where else would you see something like this? Certainly not in Hollywood blockbusters.
Which films do I never watch? Silly films full of violence. The world is already too violent for me to have to see that on screen as well.
What does music mean to me? A lot, even though I am not musically educated.
Favorite composition? "Carmina Burana."
Favorite film soundtrack? "One Night with the King" from 2006.
Why do I love to cook? Because my family is large, and eating out is not exactly cheap.
Why do I write poetry? Because only poetry can reveal the essence of existence and the universe.
What can I say about friendship? In life, you lose and gain friends. It is a natural process. But sometimes, greater friends are those with whom you spent very little time in random encounters. It is good if you have at least two friends who are not from random short encounters that you can always rely on. For me, that is enough.
Why do I love to travel? It fulfills me immensely. After every trip, I am a new, better person.
Which places have remained forever in me? Bellatera in Spain, Fiesole in Italy, Brač in Croatia, Kalemegdan in Belgrade.