Why fit in when you were born to stand out?

Those, who have followed my artistic journey for some time, know that my core value is to be yourself.

For those who are joining my legacy now: Hi! Welcome to the world of fun, creativity, kindness, and acceptance of who you really are.

I got some exiting news!

I have passed the application process and the interview in University of Suffolk to study Fine Art. I am in and will be on a new venture from September 2022.

I am shocked! I am happy, exited, and emotional…

There is only one thing that I wish I could do now - share the news with my dad…

He has passed away few months ago from cancer. It happened so suddenly while I was on holiday in Lithuania. The trip was planned and booked a long time ago thinking it will be a fun adventures holiday.

Coincidence you think.

One moment I sat with my dad laughing, my 4-year-old tickling him; next moment I sat next to him in an ambulance, wiping the sweat dripping from his face.

One day I was holding my dad’s warm hand looking at his big smile through Salvador Dali Moustache, next day I was kissing his cold cheek…

The whole “holiday” experience was traumatic, but I have so many good memories to treasure.

My dad called my art weird, and he encourage to keep painting this weird stuff (enhanced acrylic pouring art). He even nicknamed this art style after the greatest Lithuanian composer, painter, and writer Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis.

“Ciurlionio burbuliukai” (Bubbles by Ciurlionis) - this makes me smile, because I grew up in Soviet Union times, later post-Soviet Union, when if you can’t draw a portrait or paint a landscape - you are not a real artist, my dad grew out of this mindset. We both did – TOGETHER!

We shouldn’t expect to not have to overcome any challenges as children. Parents are not supposed to make life perfect without challenges. Parents supposed to provide, give guidance, and give examples of morality in the circumstances given.

Bee Alive, acrylic on canvas, 2022 January

For the last few years my dad told me to keep painting my “Ciurlionio burbuliukai” rather than try to fit in and that really kept me focused on what I really want to paint instead of what people want. You will never please everyone, so might as well just be yourself and happy.

Why fit in when you were born to stand out!

This exact quote sat on my very first business cards few years ago. I saw the same quote on a building that I was venturing to get my life changing interview!

Coincidence or fate?

You probably know my answer…

Before and after interview 

Lovely student ambassadors showing applicants around the arts building of University of Suffolk