What do I like the most about my job? A kind of social immunity that allows me to be extravagant without being considered strange and the opportunity of using my time according to my personal needs. Time today is a luxury, as it is not to do everything quickly because speed is both the best value and the worst defect of modern society.
What is my idea of happiness? Being able to have harmony around me and being able to do my job without disappointing because of it the expectations of my loved ones, as well as being able to enjoy the beautiful, the good and the little that is enough.
What is my greatest fear? Not leaving any trace of myself behind me, being forgotten.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself I’d like for my body to be as energetic as my mind is, but I neglect my body and I am beginning to see the consequences of it, however I am an incurable optimist with a positive mindset. I think that, sooner or later, I’ll be able to make my body and mind go at the same speed.
Which living people in my profession do I admire the most? All people who are committed to achieving a goal in the job without compromising in any way, shape or form. Consistency is a rare gift.
What is my greatest extravagance? Being extravagant in the way I dress, I don’t like brands and I always make everything I wear into my own.
On what occasion would I lie? Probably about being able to do something I’ve never done: make a fresco on the vault of a church or create a monument for a square, I’m a creative don’t forget it! It would also be a good opportunity to study new techniques and new solutions, therefore evolve towards something new. I always like to study and learn. For the rest, in my life I never lie because I am direct and sincere.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? I hate when they doubt my profession and relate it to my being a woman. It may sound incredible, but the inequalities between the sexes are still tangible in many work environments.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work? I am always one step away from the work goal that I have set, but so far the opportunities have not been in my favor and fate continues to move the horizon beyond, I speak of my work of course.
If I could, what would I change about myself? Nothing, a long time ago I did not have a high self-esteem because of a troubled childhood, but I always matured later than age. if there is a positive side to being almost 50 years old it is that you suddenly feel your inner strength growing and you gain a clear perspective over the world. The beauty of being an artist is to remain just a bit like children. However, I try to be serious and say that I would like to go back to 38 years old and stay there!
What is my greatest achievement in work? Having a recognizable style. For some years it has happened to me that some people easily recognize my trait. I believe that this gives any artist great satisfaction.
Where would I most like to live? I really like nature, therefore in a large country house with dogs, cats, horses and a vegetable garden, but not too far from a big city so that the solitude of the open countryside does not penalize my job opportunities. I would like to live abroad, because I realized that speaking another language exorcises shyness and my somewhat gruff hidden character.
What is my most treasured possession? To have been able to be a mother, to have daughters and traditions that will live after me. The family I come from no longer exists. My father’s old Olivetti typewriter is a precious object to me, the best words of my memories still come out of it.
What is my most marked characteristic? Being able to see the ironic side of things, perhaps because I am Sicilian like Pirandello: the two-faced herm on one side laughs and on the other expresses its angst.
What location inspires me the most in my city I have more than one, but near the studio, in the neighborhood called Ballarò there is a small restaurant where you can often meet other artists and exchange opinions. You can perpetually observe the comings and goings of tourists from all over the world. Sitting there makes you travel, eating for sure very well. Palermo, says my french friend Wuill: is like living inside a theater: a picturesque stage where everything can happen.
What books influenced my life and how? We have always lived in the castle by Shirley Jackson and Fame by Knut Hamsun. I have been agoraphobic for some time and I am interested in the world of madness that often accompanies genius. Genius men are unable to study in their youth because they unconsciously feel that everything must be learned differently from how the mass learns it. (Lev Tolstoj)
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day
Quizzaz by Nat king Cole and Immortal Bach, but I don’t want to tell you why.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? It’s me, of course! At the end of the story, the good guys always win.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? I was always intrigued by the life of Peggy Guggenheim, a brilliant and sharp icon, she changed the point of view on art and collecting. Forerunner of the elegant and cultured influencers. Maybe I see Anna Wintour similar to her today? I don’t know, however I like her hair: I find it faithful to her style and superior to fashions. Making fashion means not to suffer it.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime? I really like French cinema and independent cinema, but if I had to recommend a film it would be the way by Federico Fellini, ça va sans dire …
What role does art play in my life and work? Rather than a role, it is a modus vivendi that must be constantly fed for it to grow.
What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ mean to me? We are what we decide to be: protagonists or extras.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? All those who love me, my friends.
Which people or companies would I like to work with in 2020? I’d like to design something for fashion companies : Prada, Hermes, Missoni, to name just three, but I’m also a great fan of Vivienne Westwood.
What project, in 2020, am I looking forward to work on? Since September I have been working on an exhibition that I should have inaugurated in my city in June 2020, but due to COVID-19 I do not yet know when it will be available to the public, however I am already thinking about what I will do in 2021.
Where can you see me or my work in 2020? As long that the pandemic allows it, I will always be in the atelier to work until the Italian state issues rules of conduct. But you can take a trip to Palermo! I’ll take you to eat in a special place … and then, thank goodness, social networks are a thing! My website, instagram, facebook…
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? I think that being an artist keeps you young and that creativity increases with age, so if I learn to combine the mind with a healthy body, it’s done! See you when i’m 100 years old !
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story? Mari Albanese (writer), Christianne Neves (musician).
How can you contact me?
http://www.pupifuschi.com
https://www.facebook.com/pupifuschiartist/
Photo by Peppino Romano
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 