What is the best thing that I love about my work?
The ability to completely decontextualize myself from the current world, escaping and indulging in the present moment, not marked by anything recognizable. My work takes me away and art flows through me, enhancing the light in my aura, the connection with the Source. I am the creator, and one with our Creator- the Universe. It speaks through me and this process is very meditative. I am building new worlds and new beings. I am reinventing colors and textures. I love that this process has no ending, and it’s a constant becoming.
What is my idea of happiness?
Happiness is complete acceptance, surrender and above all- gratitude for what one has. I think happiness and sadness are not opposites. They are both a part of us and we should be grateful for the range of emotions we possess as humans.
That being said, happiness for me is synonymous to being unapologetically authentic.
What is my greatest fear?
It used to be earthquakes and death. Now- only earthquakes.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
My energy is too easily spread onto others. They sip it up with straws. My incessant empathy sometimes gets in the way of my own peace and serenity.
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?
I so admire all the founders and co-creators of Meow Wolf, USA. Having spoken to one of them, who has since passed, I can affirm that making art truly is an out-of-body experience.
What is my greatest extravagance?
In my social and professional circle, I am referred to as being”extra” very often. I would say my whole personality is expressive and does not shy away from the spotlight. My greatest extravagance are the outfits, makeup compositions and hairdos I create when attending design or cultural events. I love dressing up. I love matching. I love shining. I love being noticed and complimented. I would like to believe it encourages others to embrace color and self expression. So many are afraid of standing out and they are pushing to grow up so seriously, so grayish.
On what occasion would I lie?
I never lie. If I do attempt to tell a white lie, it is obvious. In my life, this has put me in quite a lot of difficult situations, but I wouldn’t change my reactions. Stories are for novels and fairy tales. Real life is for the brutal truth. This is where the most lessons are for the taking.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
Although my work is dynamic, it is also stressful and unstable. Society has taught us to aspire to a constant income and to go for the safe option. Although brave, art is not safe.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
What a great memory to have. It was the precise moment when I created the prototype of my graduation work: ”One. Everyone”. It was a pizza-shaped 3 layered liquid filled acrylic. The colorful layers moved so beautifully, that I cried the type of tears I had not cried before. I felt like I was levitating with joy and I was filled to the brink with pride. My spirit and body collided. It was truly the purest form of me. I experienced a similar happiness showing my finished project at the Artez Finals Expo. The wonder it brought to the audience was mine too.
If I could, what would I change about myself?
To believe I am enough, to not be so overly exigent, to take more risks, to be more assertive, setting stronger boundaries. And I would make it so my hair changes color everyday according to my outfits.
What is my greatest achievement in work?
I used to work in big corporations dealing with IT. My biggest achievement is recognizing that this is not me and if I don’t take a leap of faith, and follow my dreams, one day I will surely regret it. Since I have been involved in the arts and design, I have created many beautiful things and have numerous wonderful achievements. One of which is to produce Art Battle Amsterdam- live competitive painting events. I enjoyed juggling the many tasks and staff involved as well as giving exposure to incredible artists.
Where would I most like to live?
By the sea! Absolutely. I never get tired of the sea. Salt, sand, sweat, sunsets, sangria. I am all for it.
What is my most treasured possession?
My grandmother’s ring. She was my soulmate and I am encouraged to proceed here knowing we will reunite in the next lifetime. I used to put her ring on when I needed to be strong, but lately I have assigned a different meaning to it. I now wear the ring to remind myself to have more self-compassion and extend myself more grace.
What is my most marked characteristic?
To quote my friend Zori:
Kristina is the kind of friend that you can call in the middle of the night if your car breaks down or if your heart gets broken.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
Ah bummer. I don’t have a city. I don’t feel a sense of belonging to any place. I have been to 65 countries and lived in 11. However, I can tell you the most inspiring -jaw dropping place I have ever seen was Iguassu Falls, Brazil. Sublime.
What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?
I do not feel passion towards food. It is one area where I feel indifferent although I recognize its merits and potential for creative play. I do enjoy the occasional lemongrass latte. My favorite cuisine is Georgian.
What books influenced my life and how?
Peace is every step by Thich Nhat Hanh. This book came at the right time when everything known to me was falling apart, helping me rebuild a stronger and more connected version of myself.
And my own novel: WIGNOR X: The Gentle Colonizers. I worked on this book for 6 years. All of my characters represent a trait of my own character, they are all complex, humane and imperfect. I love the contrast and duality of the story and their relations. I love presenting impossible outcomes. There is no right choice and no hero.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
One song has struck a chord in my heart and even once during an airplane landing scare, it is the song I put on repeat. OneRepublic – Counting Stars
‘’Everything that kills me makes me feel alive.’’
‘’Everything that drowns me makes me wanna fly.’’
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
There are so many to choose from! I really like Professor X from the X-men franchise. He is so kind, nurturing and encouraging.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
Here, I will avoid giving relatives names to avoid family wars. (hehe).
I shall name only one, otherwise, this interview will last a while.
Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh for me is the embodiment of serenity. When I read his words, it’s as if he has his gentle and supportive hand on my shoulder. For me he is a hero, because he has given every moment of his life teaching us humans how to live in peace.
Overall, I think, anyone who has denied the self and the pursuit of self indulgence for the betterment of humanity is a hero!
Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime?
Big Fish. It is so clever, phantasmagorical, distinct, and full of love.
What role play stories in my life and work?
I am a writer and short stories are my preferred medium. I think tales make us speculate, innovate, fantasize. Writing freely whatever comes to mind is an amazing opportunity to get to know yourself better. I do this everyday! You would be surprised at the depths I reach and the stories that develop from this technique. Writing or reading stories can also teleport us to the ease and simple happiness of childhood.
What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ mean to me?
Those words can be a two-way mirror – reflective from one side and transparent from the other. The way I perceive my life and describe it is not the way it is in reality. One can be quite delusional when enveloped in their so-called ‘’life’’. It is important to take distance, connect with your higher spirit and observe so that the story you tell yourself is not nuanced.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
Even though my family might not always be on board and not understand my path, I know I can always count on them and this is rare!
I do not have a sponsor, but applications are wide open!
Which people or companies would I like to work with? (you can mention a maximum of 10 people and/or companies who could make a real difference in your creative career. I will invite them to tell their story, tell them you mentioned their name and send them your story)
This is so very kind of you sir!
- Meow Wolf! Helping them to bring their vision to Europe.
- Noa Verhofstad
- Dutch Invertuals
- Stedelijk museum/ Museum Cobra
- Milan design week
- Dutch design week
- Random Studio
- Amsterdam Fashion Week
- Doloris, Meta maze and Anoma maze
- Sara Camposarcone
What project am I looking forward to work on?
It is so hard to pick one! Right now, I am looking forward to combining my stylistic dopamine fashion eye with my world-building maquettes. A total artwork photoshoot.
Where can you see me or my work?
For now, the public is welcome to visit my social media profiles. My first solo exhibition is coming up on the 2nd of February 2024 in Geldrop (https://weeffabriek.nl/programma.html#event_2025-2) for which I am currently curating the artworks! I have more than 600 artworks and I need to find the red thread through them all. The exhibition will be in the lines of:
” 2004-2024
Kristina Miltcheva
Outsider Art Retrospective .”
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
It means that hopefully both my body and my mind will be able to craft new worlds, creatures and ideas long after humanly possible. 🙂 It is my honor and a little bit my burden that I was given this talent in this lifetime. I accept it, I rejoice and I show it! I end this great interview with a quote that I appreciate:
‘The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.‘ Pablo Picasso
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?
Marwa
Sophie
Marta
Katja
Agnes
How can you contact me?
(+31)6 255 954 58
miltchevakristina@gmail.com
https://www.instagram.com/kristina.miltcheva/
Eindhoven, The Netherlands
The Heroine's Journey 