“We cannot protect ourselves only from a specific negative experience in life. When we close our hearts and grow an extra layer of skin we become less vulnerable, but at the same time we shield ourselves from everything subtle, beautiful and spontaneous.”
Tag Archives: story
Zoëy
“For the past two years, I’ve run my own business as a home organizer,” she began, her words quick, with the faint lilt of a Midlands accent. “I do interior design and help people declutter their homes—basically, I create calm, peaceful spaces.”She had come all the way from Long Eaton, a quiet town in Nottinghamshire,Continue reading “Zoëy”
Larissa
“What is decent sex for you?”“Well, my first boyfriend was really bad at sex. It was kind of boring. I have a vivid imagination, and I’ve always wanted to explore more. After him, I slept with several men and women who weren’t my partners.”“So, what would you consider decent sex?”“It’s when you lose yourself, whenContinue reading “Larissa”
Jess
“What matters most in life to you?” I asked Jessica.“Kindness is very important to me. No matter who I meet, how they look, or how they speak, I’m always open. I don’t judge people, and because of that, I see the good in them.” Her voice was soft, confident, and calm. “What do you believeContinue reading “Jess”
Konstantin
“We are constantly dying and being reborn in every moment. If we accept that change is natural, we can embrace it. But most people resist—they cling to things: houses, spouses, money, status, anything that feels secure. Yet, as the Buddhists say, suffering arises when we hold on to what we think we have, when inContinue reading “Konstantin”
Andrea
On April 6, 2022, I was in Berlin when I received an email from a woman named Andrea. She wanted to take part in my art project—to share her perspective on the world. I replied, and we arranged to meet the next day at my place. At exactly 11 a.m., Andrea rang the doorbell. AsContinue reading “Andrea”
Sasha Tischenko
I met Sasha in Berlin, where she had come to spend time alone for the first time since becoming a mother. Back on the island of Majorca, her twenty-month-old son was with his father and grandparents. She had anticipated this brief taste of freedom, but now that she was here, I wondered how it felt.Continue reading “Sasha Tischenko”
Valentina
Trigger warning – this interview discusses suicidal feelings. ‘Let’s talk about how you make your living,’ I said.‘I’m an artistic director,’ she replied.I was waiting for the continuation. She tried to tell me something but her lips seemed glued together. ‘Could you explain to me what you actually do?’‘All that (speaks indistinctly) like illustration, photos,Continue reading “Valentina”
Simona Kust
I’m a guud person,I’m a goud person,I’m a good person, Simona Kust tells herself when she hesitates, whether her words and actions are good. Simona was the second person who participated in my project “Your Story By Me”. It was in Moscow, on the 31st of January 2019. She was 16, lived with her boyfriendContinue reading “Simona Kust”
Farah
‘I was born in Tunisia, in a small town near the sea. I came to Moscow three years ago to study medicine and my story is fucked up!’ So said Farah, a twenty-two year old woman with blue curly hair, red lips, big cheeks and a tiny ring on her small, beautiful nose. ‘What haveContinue reading “Farah”
