What is the best thing that I love about my work? What I love most about working on my dolls is that I can be myself in those moments. I don’t have to pretend to be someone else. I don’t have to be sweet when I want to scream, or strong when I want to cry, or smart when I want to be silly, or beautiful when I just want to sit in my pajamas. I also love seeing the process of something, as a result of my work, being born from a lump of lifeless clay, something that would never have existed without my help, and something that undoubtedly has a soul of its own.
What is my idea of happiness? Happiness is knowing that everything is okay with your loved ones. Happiness is knowing that someone is waiting for you somewhere. Happiness is hearing a joyful ‘Mom!’
Photo credits: Jessica Semere
What is my greatest fear? I am afraid of letting my family down, not doing my best for them.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? Lack of self-confidence. I know for sure that I could do a lot, and a lot better than others, but sometimes I lack perseverance. And my faith in my own strength fails me at the last moment. I struggle with myself every day. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I don’t…
Which living persons in my profession do I most admire? I believe that anyone who decides to do anything deserves respect. Some can do more, some less. But if you simply get off the couch and focus your energy on creating something beautiful or useful, the world will inevitably become a little better.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? I don’t like how art is often too dependent on current trends and money. I don’t want to be a trendy artist. I prefer to do what I love. At the same time, I naturally understand that this is a bad business plan.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work? I’m always happy when I can do what I love. The creative process brings calm and excitement at the same time. A fantastic cocktail.
If I could, what would I change about myself? I am who I am. I’m good at some things, not so good at others… But my flaws make me who I am. Perhaps it would be great to be able to make final decisions more quickly, to hesitate less. But that would be a completely different person.
What is my greatest achievement in work? Participating in exhibitions and winning competitions is undoubtedly very important, but I consider my greatest success to be people’s interest. The way they sometimes stand in front of one of my dolls, gazing at every detail for a long time. They freeze with amazement and their eyes light up. It means I’ve managed to touch someone’s soul. Isn’t that the essence of art? And of course, I sincerely hope that my greatest achievement is yet to come!
Where would I most like to live? I would like to live in a world without war.
What is my most marked characteristic? I don’t know. Perhaps it would be better to ask the people around me; they can see it better from the outside.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city? It’s hard to say. I’m usually inspired less by a specific place than by an event, a meeting, a feeling, a book, a film, or even a smell. It has nothing to do with location; sometimes inspiration just comes from somewhere.
Photo credits: Basil A. Vigovskiy
What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city? I’m not much of a fan of crowded places. I prefer a home barbecue with family and good friends.
What books influenced my life and how? There was a time in my life when I read quite a lot, sometimes even quite intelligent books. However, my undisputed favourite has remained Harry Potter for many years. It’s so wonderful to believe that magic is just around the corner.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? I think on my last day I would like to listen to silence.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? Severus Snape from Harry Potter. He seems odd; something is always off about him. And that’s precisely what makes him such a deep and complex character. His words always diverge from his actions. Fewer empty words, more real action.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? People who are able to follow their dreams, despite all the difficulties and troubles of life.
What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me? I don’t entirely agree with this statement. Of course, I’d really like to believe that we decide for ourselves how to live and act. And we certainly all try to do so. However, sometimes events happen that are beyond our control and that radically changes all plans and even entire lives. Who knows whether these things happen on their own, or whether there’s a Master Author at work in all of this.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? My family.
What project am I looking forward to work on? I have a few ideas that I think are interesting. But while I’m thinking about them, they’ll remain a secret.
Where can you see me or my work?
The easiest way to find me is on social media.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanna-pasiechnykova
https://www.facebook.com/pasiechnykova.dolls/
https://www.instagram.com/pasiechnykova.dolls/
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? Passion lives somewhere within us. It’s a part of our soul that makes us who we are. It’s what we love and strive for, regardless of age or any other factors. Sometimes it burns, sometimes it simply warms us from within, ready to flare up with renewed vigor at any moment.
How can you contact me?
The best way to find me and contact me is through my social media pages. Welcome!