The Heroine’s Journey of Maia Sylba

What is the best thing that I love about my work?

What I love most about my work is the boundless freedom of imagination and the
depth of emotion it awakens within me. It brings me into contact with unique, sensitive
souls—the artists—whose spirits are as delicate as they are resilient. Each act of
creation becomes a path to healing, helping me feel more grounded and connected, not
only to myself but to the world around me. I believe that art has a quiet power to
transform us, to save us, filling our lives with beauty and meaning. Through creation, we
find a sanctuary, a space where hope and humanity can flourish amid all else.

What is my idea of happiness?

No matter how naive or sentimental it may sound, my vision of happiness is a pure,
unconditional love and appreciation, whether in friendship, romance or shared creative
bonds. In this world that prizes material wealth, I believe that rarest trasures are spiritual.

These cannot be bought or bargained for, they arrive like blessings, known only to the
fortunate who experience true joy and love. To me, happiness is rooted in the intangible,
a profound, enduring connection that transcends conditions, a sense of belonging that
defies time. Those touched by it know the gift it is, precious and rare, illuminating life
from within.

What is my greatest fear?

As someone who has faced profound losses and life’s darkest trials, I’ve come to fear
little—save for one thing. My deepest fear is losing those I love, those bound to me by
threads of family, friendship, and heartfelt connection. Nothing in this world terrifies me
more than the thought of being without them, of feeling the hollow space their absence
would leave behind. In the grand scheme of life’s pains, there is no greater sorrow, no
deeper dread, than the possibility of such a void.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?

I love and respect myself deeply, finding no shame or regret in my nature or my
qualities. My true challenge, if it can be called that, is that people struggle to believe
someone like me genuinely exists. They often misinterpret my compassion, my
empathy, and my unwavering understanding of others, their struggles, their sorrows.
They take my kindness for naivety, my patience for simplicity, assuming I am someone
easily molded or swayed. Yet they fail to see that I stand “above life” in a certain way,
seeing human fragility for what it is. I forgive not out of weakness but out of a profound
awareness of human vulnerability, helping others from a place of goodness, without
expectation. This generosity, which feels so natural to me, is incomprehensible to them.
And though they may never understand, I believe this is how we all should be.

Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?

The world today, a world driven by money, fame, pleasure, and devoid of true moral
values, compassion, dignity, and conscience, feels distant to me. I struggle to find
inspiration in the celebrated figures of our time, where only a handful from the past
resonate with me. Yet, I see beauty and heroism in what some might dismiss as
“everyday people.” In their quiet deeds and uncelebrated kindnesses, in the way they
help each other, tend to animals, nature, and live lives of quiet integrity, they reveal a
strength that transcends the ordinary. When crucial moments arise, they transform,
becoming larger than life, embodying values our world so often overlooks. These are the
people who inspire me, those who truly elevate the human spirit.

What is my greatest extravagance?

I live a modest life, valuing health, long walks, and the beauty of classic literature. Yet
my one indulgence, perhaps not extravagant to some but close to my heart—is my love
for fashion, not the everyday kind, but unique, artistic pieces that carry a rare,
imaginative flair. I’m often seen buying groceries in black lace, high heels, or adorned
with delicate, unusual jewelry, while others choose simpler, more practical attire. A
tracksuit wouldn’t feel true to me; instead, dressing this way brings out my authentic self,
revealing a side of me that’s creative, bold, and unafraid to stand apart. People might
see it as a lack of ease, but I believe it’s precisely what shows how at ease I am with
myself, finding joy in expressing who I am, without pretense or competition, just the
freedom to be, unapologetically, me.

On what occasion would I lie?

For those I love, my family, my friends, those closest to me, I would lie, but never out
of malice. I would do so only in moments where the truth could cause them unbearable
pain or even threaten their well-being, to protect them from harm in the most extreme of
circumstances. Beyond this, I am an open, sincere, and emotional soul, always speaking
from the heart, unafraid to express what I truly think. Some may call it childish, but I
believe there is no greater courage than honesty. It takes a rare strength to be authentic
in a world that often rewards masks. I am not drawn to manipulative minds, for they are
not my kind of people. To me, true courage lies in living with transparency, without fear
of judgment or reprisal.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?

It’s hard to express, for I am truly, deeply, madly in love with my work and everything
it encompasses. Perhaps the difficulty lies in the fact that others often don’t understand
this love, this drive that fuels me. They cannot grasp that I create not just to express, but
to survive…it’s my air, my food, my water, my very life. My passion runs so deep that I
pour myself into every edition of my magazine, sometimes reaching a thousand pages,
each one a reflection of my soul. Yet, many are not patient enough to appreciate the
depth of that effort, to truly see the heart and vision behind it. I struggle to understand
this, perhaps because I hold art to an idealistic standard, one that believes in the
transformative power of creation, in a world that often moves too quickly to appreciate it.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?

The happiest moment of my career was when I created the first edition of Musetouch,
a modest beginning built on the trust and support of friends and artists who believed in
me. It was a humble start, but it was mine, and in that moment, I felt a profound sense of
purpose. But even now, with each new edition, I feel the same exhilaration, the same
passion that I did in the beginning. That initial excitement hasn’t faded with time; if
anything, it has grown stronger. Each new creation fuels my love for what I do,
deepening my connection to the work and to the artists who share it with me. They say
love fades, but for me, it only intensifies, as the joy of creation becomes more profound
with every page.

If I could, what would I change about myself?

I cannot see it as a flaw; to me, it is a virtue. Yet, I must admit, it is incredibly
challenging to navigate today’s world with such depth of feeling. I am emotional,
passionate, my emotions run deep and strong, and they shape every aspect of my
being. In a world that prizes coldness and detachment, where strength is measured by
stoicism and unshakable confidence, my sensitivity can feel like a weakness. But I see
emotions as a treasure, a gift that makes life richer, more meaningful. I create, love, and
live with these feelings as my guide. It is how I connect to the world, how I stay true to
myself. Unfortunately, it is a truth few can truly understand today. I would never change
that part of me, though I acknowledge it would be easier to wear a mask of coldness,
hiding the depth that makes me who I am.

What is my greatest achievement in work?

I could name accomplished artists, prestigious academic institutions, renowned
galleries and museums, and even TV channels with whom I’ve had the honor of
collaborating, but my truest achievement lies elsewhere. It is the deep, heartfelt
connection I share with the people, our readers, the artists who have become my closest
friends. The greatest reward for me is hearing that someone finds “peace of mind”
through my magazine, that they find beauty and solace within its pages, healing from the
struggles of daily life. Once, a reader told me, “You are celebrating life with your
magazine.” That simple, profound sentence captures the essence of what I strive for. It’s
not the accolades that define my work, but the impact it has on the hearts and minds of
others.

Where would I most like to live?

I cannot pinpoint a specific country or city where I would like to live, for to truly know,
I must visit a place, feel its spirit, and only then can I tell if it is home. But I will say that I
am drawn to old castles, villas, and buildings with a certain “soul,” as I like to say.
Modern structures, with their cold glass and concrete, lack that warmth, that creativity,
that imagination. Every castle carries a story, a mystery, a legend…and that is what
makes them precious. I cannot say the same for contemporary buildings. So, my ideal
home would be an ancient, enigmatic castle nestled deep within a forest, shared with
somebody I love. Nothing more, nothing less.

What is my most treasured possession?

The books and paintings my father left me are not valuable in the material sense, not
treasures in the eyes of the world, but they are his choices, things he loved, gathered
with passion and care. They were his, and when I touch them, I almost feel his
presence, as if his spirit lingers in their essence. That is what makes them precious.
Likewise, it is a small, simple golden ring my parents gave me as a child, or the words
someone wrote to me that I keep deep within my heart. It is the feeling someone gave
me when thouching my hand, a moment never forgotten. These are my treasures, not
the objects themselves, but the emotions they carry, the memories that remain etched in
my soul. These feelings, unforgotten, are the true riches I hold.

What is my most marked characteristic?

To the outside world, I may appear calm, quiet, perhaps even distant…a responsible
professional always focused on reaching my goals. But what they cannot see is the
immense passion that burns within me, a fire that is both wild and boundless, like a vast,
untamed sea or an endless universe. It is a passion so profound that it stirs constant
battles and wars within my soul, a tumult that remains invisible to others. These inner
struggles, these unseen conflicts, are the essence of who I am. They shape every
thought, every action, yet they are known only to me. It is this powerful, hidden
force…my passion…that defines me most.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?

I was born in Novi Sad, a city on the northern edge of Serbia, nestled along the
poetic and mysterious Danube River, a place that will always be “my city,” no matter
where I roam. On the river’s right bank stands the Petrovaradin Fortress, a place that
has always felt like home to me, in ways words can barely capture. As an imaginative
child, I would envision myself as an empress, ruling over this ancient fortress, claiming
its hidden stories, legends, and untold history as my own. Built between the late 17th
and 18th centuries, the fortress is one of Europe’s most beautiful, with its labyrinthine
underground tunnels, secret passages, and haunting ghost stories. Yet, above all, it
holds a rich history, standing as a symbol of my city…timeless, enduring, and
mysterious. That is the location.

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?

I cannot mention a specific restaurant or café, for my heart longs for something
simpler, more profound. My favorite place would be an open space, perhaps a quiet park
by the Danube, or a hidden corner in Fruska Gora, the beautiful national park near my
city. A secluded spot along the river, where nature embraces you and time slows down. I
would rather share a piece of chocolate or a simple sandwich with someone dear to me,
surrounded by the serenity of nature, near the river that has always felt so special to my
soul. That, to me, holds more meaning than any lavish dinner in an expensive restaurant
at a prestigious location.

What books influenced my life and how?

I cannot say that ‘Portrait of a Lady’ by Henry James directly influenced my life. It certainly opened something within me, offering insights that deepened my understanding of life. It felt like a recognition of myself, though I still cannot fully explain why it resonated so deeply. Perhaps one day I will understand. The story, of a young girl making the wrong choices, believing them to be right, only to realize too late what true love is and what truly governs our lives, struck me profoundly. It reveals, with painful clarity, the material world we live in, cold and unforgiving. While some may find it overly sentimental or simple, to me it was an awakening, a sobering realization. That book
stayed with me through the years, never forgotten. Yet, my heart belongs to Dostoevsky…his novels are treasures, and I consider him the greatest writer ever.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?

If I were to choose a piece of music for my last day on Earth, it would be something
by my favorite composer, Beethoven. A true fighter, a passionate artist in every sense, I
have always admired him deeply. In my imagination, I have longed to meet him, for
every time I listen to his music, I can almost feel him…his spirit, his struggles, his
triumphs. I would choose ‘Ode to Joy’, not as a somber farewell, but as a passionate,
joyous celebration of life. It would not be a sad or depressive moment, but a final,
exuberant goodbye, a testament to how I have lived and how I would leave this
world…with joy, not sorrow. Despite all the misfortunes, sorrows, and obstacles we face,
life is an extraordinary gift, a joy that should always be treasured and honored.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?

The character of The Little Prince, from the timeless book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, resonates deeply with me. I sense a profound connection to him, as if his thoughts, feelings, and emotions echo my own. His innocence, his wonder at the world, and his understanding of love and loss speak to me in ways words cannot fully capture. The Little Prince embodies the beauty of seeing the world through untainted eyes, where the most important things are often invisible. He is a reminder of the quiet truths we too often forget, of the delicate balance between wonder and wisdom. His story is one I carry with me, a constant companion, always close to my heart. The Little Prince, for me, is not just a character, but a reflection of the deepest parts of my own soul.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?

It is my mother, a woman of incredible strength and wisdom, yet pure and innocent
like a child. A relentless fighter in every sense, she has always stood by me, supporting
my wildest dreams, dreams others might deem impossible. But for her, nothing was ever
beyond reach. Her motto, “Nothing is impossible,” became my guiding light, and she
proved it to me time and again. She taught me not only how to fight and survive but to
believe in myself, to be open, and to remain sincere. Despite the many hardships we’ve
faced, she always helped me view them as challenges to overcome, not obstacles to
defeat. It is because of her unwavering belief in me that I am who I am today…and it is
because of her that Musetouch exists.

Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?

Perhaps it may seem too sentimental, too romantic or even trivial to some, but I see
‘Roman Holiday’ with Audrey Hepburn as more than just a romantic comedy. To me, it is
a deeply philosophical film, a meditation on life itself. It speaks to the simplicity of
happiness…the joy found in a summer breeze, in an ice cream cone, in a quiet walk
through the streets. These fleeting, simple moments hold the true essence of life, a
happiness far beyond anything material. The film reveals that the greatest joys are not
the grand, expensive things, but the small, cherished moments that make life
meaningful. It reminds us that life is but a series of moments, and it is up to us to make
them joyful. In the end, simplicity is where true happiness lies.

What role play stories in my life and work?

Art, in all its forms, has enveloped my life, filling it with meaning beyond words. It has
been my greatest transformation, not only as my path but as the essence of my
existence. Becoming the editor of a global visual arts magazine was once a dream, and
even now, as I live it, I remain a child in awe, endlessly captivated. Nothing can alter my
spirit where art is concerned; it lives within every breath, infusing my soul, my character,
my world. Her majesty – art…guides me, a sacred presence that shapes my being with
beauty and purpose.

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?

To me, the words “You are the storyteller of your own life” resonate deeply. In life, as
in art, every choice, every emotion, and every encounter becomes a stroke, shaping the
image of who we are. I believe we have the power to blend colors of joy and sorrow,
light and shadow, to create something honest and beautiful. To be the storyteller of
one’s own life is an act of courage and creativity, a commitment to seeing ourselves as
both creator and creation, crafting our story with purpose and presence.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?

My brother, Dejan, may not be my biggest fan, but he is certainly my “partner in
crime. A quiet force behind Musetouch, developer and designer, he handles the
technical side with unwavering dedication, ensuring that every piece flows seamlessly. I
owe him an unspoken debt of gratitude, one that runs deep. I remember a moment that
still resonates: he looked at me and simply said, “You belong to art.” That was when
Musetouch took its first breath. His words were more than encouragement…they were
the spark that ignited this journey.

Which people or companies would I like to work with ?

I hope to continue my journey alongside cherished friends…artists who have not only shaped my work but touched my soul. They stood by me in challenging times, embodying humanity and creative brilliance beyond words. Luc Martineau, Nicole Adette Romine, Soledad Fernandez, Dmitry Savchenko, Carmelo Blandino, Viktorie Chaloupkova, and so many others hold a unique place in my heart, as both creators and kindred spirits. As for collaborations, I am drawn to companies that embrace antiques, jewelry especially as an object of art, treasures imbued with history, beauty, and mystery. Their essence captivates me more than any reputation, for it’s their soul, not their status, that I seek.

What project am I looking forward to work on?

I will continue to pour my heart into Musetouch, my greatest love and passion,
expanding its reach and vision. My dream is to create a virtual gallery…a realm where
art transcends boundaries and where imagination finds a home. I envision collaborating
closely with artists, curating their exhibitions with devotion, and bringing each piece to
life with boundless creativity. In every project, I hope to honor the profound magic of art
and share it with the world.

How can you contact me?

You can reach me through the official Musetouch website at http://www.musetouch.org

Or connect with me via email, Linkedin, Instagram, or Facebook.

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