The best thing that I love about my work: Most of all I like to express freedom in my artworks. That freedom is without limits. No one can tell me what and how to draw. I draw as I feel, I live every picture. My paintings are stories. They are filled with meaning and life emotions. For me, paintings are music in lines and colors. I transform the sounds of reality that surrounds me into extraordinary works. And since I have been living in
Istanbul for three years, my paintings are filled with rhythms and sounds of oriental culture, mixing with my European worldview and understanding of aesthetics.
My idea of perfect happiness: Each person has his understanding of happiness. It is very important for me to achieve self-realization, to create beautiful works and feel that this art delights people and they need it. It is as important as being a beloved wife and mother and raising beautiful children. And also to be an influencer of society. Because when you are realized as a person, you inspire people to do more.
What is my greatest fear? If I say that I have no fears, then I will lie. I have them and I’m constantly afraid. Mostly new experience is making me afraid, but always I go over it. Interest is stronger than fear. About internal fears, doubts and overcoming oneself, watch a movie that I shot with the creative team in Ukraine. The idea of a movie based on my painting Silver Dragon – Imagine Dragon
My greatest achievement in work: I painted temples and managed large projects. Under my leadership, up to 10 people worked. Since I decided to go on a solo career to build my brand name as an artist, my greatest achievement to date is breaking into the Arab art scene. And world recognition of my talent.
My greatest achievement in life: In 2011, I climbed the highest Thorong la Pass in the world at 5416 m above sea level in the Himalayas. It was a difficult and wonderful experience in life. Now, when I go alone to my heights, I recall the real experience of the mountains and these memories help me a lot to believe in myself and not to turn off the intended path.
Where would I most like to live? I can safely say that I am cosmopolitan. I like to travel, to study different cultures and countries. Abroad, I lived in Istanbul for 3 years the longest. I’m in love with this city. Now I am drawn to the Middle East, Central Asia, Japan, China, Latin America. The world is so huge and I need to go everywhere. Until today, I have visited more than 15 countries, but this is nothing compared to the amount that is
still worth to visit.
My most treasured possession: My most treasured possession is my paintings. This is generally priceless. I put part of my soul, my life in every work. To draw at a level as I do now, I had to spend 21 years on daily practice and cultivating my talent. Therefore, every
picture that I create has a high value.
What role plays art in my life and work? Art plays a very important role for me. Probably the most important. Since childhood, I knew that I wanted to be an artist. For me, art is the main language of communication with my audience, this is how I express myself, how I live and breathe. For my mental health, I need to create. This is my strength, my energy, and inspiration. I was born to create something new, whether it be paintings, films or dances.
What project, in 2019/2020, am I looking forward to work on? I would like to go to an art residence in Dubai and Sharjah. I liked the Arab country, desert, sand, Dubai’s skyscrapers and Sharjah’s pretty. This country has its mystery, so I need to learn more about art, culture, and calligraphy.
How can you contact me?
All contact info, interesting articles, and links you can find on my website:
https://veradg.com/
Something official about me: Vera DG is an official member of the Ukrainian Pavilion of the 58th Venice Biennale, participant of Year of Tolerance in Dubai, Independent visual artist, Modern calligrapher, Portraitist, Figurative painter, Speaker of I’M Design
Conference.
Here follows a message of Peter de Kuster, founder of The Heroine’s Journey
Are you a creative leader or creative professional looking to develop your business skills and storytelling?
Amidst today’s uncertainty, it is more important than ever to reconnect with yourself and others, develop your creative business, and build your story. Dive deep into your unique business style and areas for growth with the coaching of Peter de Kuster.
IS THE HEROINE’S JOURNEY COACHING FOR YOU?
You are a creative leader or creative professional who is interested in developing yourself, your business, and your story.
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You are aware that there are no quick fixes. Learning is a journey that works when you are fully committed to it. Coaching can bring awareness and help you navigate, but in the end it’s you who is in charge of your growth.
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You want to learn more about how to resource yourself, learn about blind spots, and get feedback.
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You are curious and want to engage in online learning.
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You are motivated to work in-between sessions on yourself (e.g. working on homework assignments that will help you develop new storytelling, skills, and behaviors).
WHAT’S YOUR COACHING QUESTION?
The Heroine’s Journey Coaching is all about your development. To make the most out of your sessions, we ask you to prepare topics to work on with Peter. These topics can serve as a starting point for further in-depth exploration with Peter.
These coaching topics typically resonate with the creative leaders Peter works with:
How can i tell the most powerful story possible about myself and my creative business?
How can I handle self promotion and marketing of my creative business better?
How do can I stay authentic and with focus when having difficult conversations with potential clients?
What are my creative values and how do I align these with my business values?
How can I manage my time and energy better?
How can I radiate confidence to my clients while feeling anxious inside?
How can I steer myself towards creative excellence without becoming rigid?
About Peter de Kuster
Peter de Kuster is the founder of The Heroine’s Journey & Hero’s Journey project, a storytelling firm which helps creative professionals to create careers and lives based on whatever story is most integral to their lives and careers (values, traits, skills and experiences). Peter’s approach combines in-depth storytelling and marketing expertise, and for over 20 years clients have found it effective with a wide range of creative business issues.
Peter is writer of the series The Heroine’s Journey and Hero’s Journey books, he has an MBA in Marketing, MBA in Financial Economics and graduated at university in Sociology and Communication Sciences.
PRICING
The Heroine’s Journey Coaching online sessions last 50 minutes and the fee is Euro 189 excluding VAT per session. The Heroine’s Journey Coaching is suitable for people at any stage in their career.
FAQ
Who can sign up for The Heroine’s Journey online coaching?
Creative leaders and creative professionals who wish to improve their business story and develop their business skills and mindset.
Should I choose 1:1 coaching?
Our The Heroine’s Journey experiences in world cities allow you to learn not only from the coach but also from your peers. For the small group coaching (1 – 4 people), we have selected important, relevant topics that we find regularly come up for creative professional: purpose, storytelling, creative confidence, self promotion, time & money and resilience.
If you would prefer to work alone or on a different topic, individual coaching is a better fit for you.
What language do we speak in the coaching sessions?
English.
Can I buy coaching for my organization?
Yes, you can! We support many organizations around the world with their coaching needs. Please contact us for more information.
Can I bring my own topics?
Yes, for individual coaching you get to choose your own topic.
Are coaching sessions confidential?
Yes. Peter will not share anything that is discussed in the coaching sessions.
Where will the coaching sessions take place?
Sessions will take place online (as per the times we live in) via an online tool like Zoom or Skype. Peter will let you know.
How do I sign up?
Send Peter a mail to theherojourneyquestionnaires@gmail.com to start booking your coaching sessions.
How do I pay?
After you send the mail, you will receive an email with a link to pay.
How do I book and reschedule sessions?
Once we’ve received your payment, Peter will contact you and book your coaching sessions. He will also support you with rescheduling sessions if needed.
What is your cancellation policy?
Individual coaching sessions can be postponed up to one week before the session.
The Heroine's Journey 