Project Description
We begin with Hristiana Demireva (25, Sofia) who kindly answered all our questions and send us some of her favorite memories, captured in photographs.
Her personality integrates different interest: writing, photography, travelling and sport. Recently, she has been certified as a mediator to the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice and all this happen in her free time. Even though she has a permanent job, she still manages to pursue the things that loves and explore new fields of interest. We are going to stop here and let her words guide you through the rest.
- Tell us briefly about yourself
Hello! My name is Hristiana and I am master in International Relations and Conflict Management and a Certified Mediator at the Ministry of Justice. I believe that conflict, beyond its negative meaning and effects, can have a constructive function and is an interesting and permanent phenomenon at both the micro and macro levels. In addition to my full-time job, I do a lot of side activities, which sometimes makes me a little scattered, but it’s all a matter of organization.
- How long have you been writing and what is its meaning to you? Do you have any text that you are particularly proud of?
I have been writing in various media for several years now, but writing has appeared spontaneously in my life. It is something that often frees me from the accumulated tension. In the beginning it was just a tool for personal satisfaction and pleasure, and later I decided that I could make it part of my job. I do not have a favorite published text, even often writing in doubt as to whether a particular topic actually needs more comment, as I think that excessive talk / writing in today’s endless news sources can be harmful. I think it is very important that a person always carefully selects his words. If I have to point out a text that I am proud of, then this is my master’s thesis on “Identity Formation in IR within the Social Gender”. I wrote with real pleasure and interest, as the topic really excites me and I consider it important, although it was considered by the committee to be unconventional and provoked intensive debate.
- What is your favorite book?
The answer to this question is always the same: the first book I think of when I hear a “favorite book” is Bulgakov’s The Master and Margarita. The second, or perhaps the same as the first, is the Ayn Rand – The Fountainhead. I cannot answer why, I cannot say what the author wanted to say, or rather I do not consider it right. I believe that narrative should not be only understood, but first and foremost felt.
- What about photography? Remember any particular photo that is of special value to you?
Oh, photography is something I am far from looking at as professional occupation for me. I like to shoot, but in no case can I call myself a photographer. In 2015, I participated in a project in Lithuania related to photography, but it only gave me the basic rules for positioning, exposure, light shadows. I am ashamed to admit that I have not even studied the camera I picked up several years ago. But I have some shots of sunrises and sunsets that I really like, even though they say they are the biggest clichés in photography. My favorite shot, though, is a huge wave in Silistar cliffs that I shot while walking on a rainy summer day.
However, I can see that there are people who, without having such education or experience, manage to capture and seal wonderful cards, which is wonderful because the picture is what keeps the best memories, right? And there are already many non-professional photography schools and courses available, even those with cellphone photography, such as Lomovera’s classes.
- Describe with your favorite quote what art is for you.
“We have art in order not to die of the truth.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche
“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.”
― Aristotle
“Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.”
― Banksy
Art is the source of every impulse of life. It is the driving force behind every “why” of the individual, it is the feeling that gives rise to thought.
- Finally, how do you manage to combine work with your hobbies?
I would immediately reply that I do not! Or at least not as much as I want, because sometimes I throw in so many new things that I find interesting and then abandon them; on the other hand, unending obligations also take time, and unfortunately the day is only 24 hours. However, I am learning to accept that hobbies also require time and dedication and I cannot do everything at the same time and see the results at the moment as I often wish. So I prioritize. I am currently attending a German language course and subsequently want to enroll in driving courses. One by one. Without hurrying.