Moments of Being
by Cristina Velina
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Dear Cristina, Thank you for sharing your beautiful art and some of your thoughts with us. Your photos are so vivid, so colorful, so full of light. Where do you find the inspiration, especially nowadays when there’s so much distraction going on all over the world? |
Photo: courtesy of the artist |
For me, finding inspiration is not that difficult as I am attracted by the beauty of nature with all it contains. But just as well, I can be inspired by music, feelings, life experience, or by other passionate artists.
Tell us something more about your journey in photography. How did it start and how has your passion/dedication evolved through the years?
My journey in photography first started with the wish of capturing unique moments and the beauty of people and places. And what caused this desire to blaze so much was an absolutely astonishing scene I witnessed during a visit at my grandparents, in one of the spring holidays. A unique landscape where winter and spring elements merged together creating a living painting, which I couldn’t preserve, but kept in my heart and mind.
Of course, it took some time until my wish of having a photo camera came true, but with the help of my beloved grandparents I had my first camera in the summer of 1998. At the end of 2007, while attending a technical photo course I purchased my first DSRL and made the switch from a passionate amateur to a person who lives through art and photography. It became not only a way to keep memories, places, and beautiful moments, but also a way of expression, introspection, and connection with the Source. Photography has become simply a part of me.
What can you share with us about the process of making your album 'Moments of Being'? How can you describe your present moment of being?
Moments of Being is one of the most intimate photo series that I've created until now. It contains images with a strong intrinsic spirit, in which the inner experiences, emotions, fears, dreams, visions, intertwine, live and transform themselves with every breath I take. Each momentum is unique, is part of what I’ve been and, in the same time, is part of what I am now.
It is a photographic journal of my spiritual journey.
Each image is inspired by an experience, a moment, a state of mind through which I passed, revealing not only emotions, but myself as a body, mind and soul.
The present moment of being is more equilibrated, because, in general, with years, the tendency is to mature ourselves and get more equilibrated, but also, with a higher urge for creating and manifesting the divine nature, because we all have a divine side, even if we’re unaware and not yet connected to it.
Tell us something more about your journey in photography. How did it start and how has your passion/dedication evolved through the years?
My journey in photography first started with the wish of capturing unique moments and the beauty of people and places. And what caused this desire to blaze so much was an absolutely astonishing scene I witnessed during a visit at my grandparents, in one of the spring holidays. A unique landscape where winter and spring elements merged together creating a living painting, which I couldn’t preserve, but kept in my heart and mind.
Of course, it took some time until my wish of having a photo camera came true, but with the help of my beloved grandparents I had my first camera in the summer of 1998. At the end of 2007, while attending a technical photo course I purchased my first DSRL and made the switch from a passionate amateur to a person who lives through art and photography. It became not only a way to keep memories, places, and beautiful moments, but also a way of expression, introspection, and connection with the Source. Photography has become simply a part of me.
What can you share with us about the process of making your album 'Moments of Being'? How can you describe your present moment of being?
Moments of Being is one of the most intimate photo series that I've created until now. It contains images with a strong intrinsic spirit, in which the inner experiences, emotions, fears, dreams, visions, intertwine, live and transform themselves with every breath I take. Each momentum is unique, is part of what I’ve been and, in the same time, is part of what I am now.
It is a photographic journal of my spiritual journey.
Each image is inspired by an experience, a moment, a state of mind through which I passed, revealing not only emotions, but myself as a body, mind and soul.
The present moment of being is more equilibrated, because, in general, with years, the tendency is to mature ourselves and get more equilibrated, but also, with a higher urge for creating and manifesting the divine nature, because we all have a divine side, even if we’re unaware and not yet connected to it.
Moments of Being - Missing Parts |
Moments of Being - Sleeping Tight Watched by God |
Flora & fauna, with a wide range of species and colors, make up a good part of your portfolio. What’s the feeling you get when shooting these beautiful pics? And what’s the message you want to transmit?
I live in a big city where the concrete grey replaced the natures green. Even so, I am in love with nature. I love flowers, animals, textures and colors. They make me feel joy and appreciation, even in my not so great moments. They comfort my eyes, calm down my mind and help me heal my soul. They make me live more in the present.
So don’t be afraid to plant a seed, a flower, a tree, take the time to silently be with them, care for them, as the nature cares for us. A child's birth is seen as a miracle, but so is the birth of an animal or of a plant. We are all living beings, even if we don’t look and live the same and we all deserve respect. I strongly believe that the divine is present in everything that is alive, including the grass we walk on.
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Can you share with us some Notes from your Diary for 2017? What is your project of the year?
Oh, the project of the year is definitely Ice and Flowers! I started working on it 3 years ago, but I think this year will be its pick, as I am planning to reach the 100 species of flowers and decoration plants, and this will include flowers I started to grow from bulbs and seeds, in pots, especially for this project.
Besides this, I plan to restart working on some of my other projects, like Daisy May and Moments of Being, and, why not, to create fresh series.
Daisy May - Daisy May in Jail |
Daisy May - Beautiful Escape |
What do you think about the role of social media? Does it help artists in crossing boundaries to take advantage of the opportunities presented in the digital realm?
I think that the emergence of social media is a huge step forward in the process of establishing connections between people, no matter the genre, ideals or the geographical location they belong to. To be an artist at this time in history is a fascinating and incredible opportunity. Art, which is the most basic and ancient form of human communication, now has the opportunity to be shared with people around the world by way of social media.
Social media is wonderful. The problem is that if one does not know how to use it properly, one would not be able to really take advantage of all that it can offer us.
What are some of your other interests that have a direct or indirect impact on your photography?
Well, I have always loved to create. Even when I was not into photography I used to draw, dye, and create unique items to wear. Now, I’ve added indoor gardening to the list. And I am still creating items to use in my photo sessions sometimes.
How is your life a reflection of your artistic concentration and vice versa?
I guess for me, the answer to this question is quite simple because I feel like art and photography are part of my being, and my photo creation reflects part of who I am.
Are there any upcoming events featuring your photography that we should be on the lookout for?
Right now, I am intensively working on my Ice and Flowers project. When it is complete I really hope that I will be able to start exhibiting in galleries, as this is one of my dreams.
It’s a good day when…
It’s a good day when I see and feel the beauty in every little thing, when I create something beautiful, when I remember how grateful I am to be alive and to be surrounded by so many beautiful people.
