"At the age of 27 he became the most popular person in Bulgaria. Now he is 75 but he continues to be that same person! As we walked through his memories, I wondered how such popularity was retained. What has happened over the years with this beloved artist, a liked man, a consistent politician and a generous professor? Standing face to face with your memories is a privilege of the brave. To arrange the puzzle of meetings, feelings, worries, success, disappointments ... and loneliness is an effort. It’s an effort of the heart and the soul. I envy Stefan Danailov for the ease with which he passes through the vulnerability of time. This book is a confession of love for the audience. It is the novel of his life!"
This is how the journalist and producer Georgi Toshev presents his work as a co-author of the long-awaited biography of the great Bulgarian actor Stefan Danailov. The book came out on the Bulgarian book market on the eve of its 75th anniversary.
We doubt that there is a Bulgarian who does not know Stefan Danailov - the beautiful charismatic Bulgarian actor. On December 9, 2017, over 800 people applauded the birthday artist in the big hall of the National Theater "Ivan Vazov". Among the guests in the audience were Presidents Rumen Radev, Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Yordanka Fandakova - Mayor of Sofia, Tsvetka Karayancheva - President of Parliament, countless representatives of state power, colleagues, admirers. A pleiad of actors was the first to congratulate the Mr.Danailov. His students exploded in joyous choir singing of "Happy Birthday, Master!", which made the actor stand up as a sign of appreciation. For the first time at his jubilee, Stefan Danailov preferred to not be on the stage but to sit in the audience, which, as he explains, always supported and loved him. Decorating the event were the alternating video sequences with scenes from films such as "Ah, these women", "Traces remain", "Ivan Kondarev" and others that reminded of the amazing career of the actor, and various excerpts from the book "The novel of my life", which were read by Marian Marinov, Bashar Rahal, Ivan Bernev and Vladislav Karamfilov-Vurgala and others. At the end, a special greeting was the song by Tom Jones Sex Bomb performed by Darin Angelov and Deyan Angelov - a kind of hymn to all Danailov's graduates, who, during the years of training, were motivated by his teacher to be successful and self-confident on the stage.
Minister Banov awarded Professor Stefan Danailov with the ‘’Order of the Golden Age’’ of the Ministry of Culture for a full contribution in the field of cinema, theater and culture.
The last word in the emotional show, of course, was of the the man of the night Stefan Danailov:
"I've always treated with love the people who have applauded me on stagе, who have applauded me at a rally. I have done it from my heart and not because someone has made me do it. Thank you! "(...)" Most of all, thanks to all of you who contributed to my life so he can be what Is it today when I am 75 years old, although I say I am 750. Hey people, I have lived a lot! I've seen a lot! I've eaten a lot, I've drunk a lot."
"And as New Year arrives, I want to wish you to be well, healthy and smiling! Smile, people, is very important."
It is almost sure that the most popular and beloved actor Stefan Danailov wasn’t able to open all of his presents, but he certainly made the most appropriate reverance to his audience by offering the people in the theatre the beautiful edition of ‘’The novel of my life’’, co-authored with Georgi Toshev.
The end of the spectacle in the National theatre Ivan Vazov can be seen here.
Photo credit: Asen Tonev
This is how the journalist and producer Georgi Toshev presents his work as a co-author of the long-awaited biography of the great Bulgarian actor Stefan Danailov. The book came out on the Bulgarian book market on the eve of its 75th anniversary.
We doubt that there is a Bulgarian who does not know Stefan Danailov - the beautiful charismatic Bulgarian actor. On December 9, 2017, over 800 people applauded the birthday artist in the big hall of the National Theater "Ivan Vazov". Among the guests in the audience were Presidents Rumen Radev, Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Yordanka Fandakova - Mayor of Sofia, Tsvetka Karayancheva - President of Parliament, countless representatives of state power, colleagues, admirers. A pleiad of actors was the first to congratulate the Mr.Danailov. His students exploded in joyous choir singing of "Happy Birthday, Master!", which made the actor stand up as a sign of appreciation. For the first time at his jubilee, Stefan Danailov preferred to not be on the stage but to sit in the audience, which, as he explains, always supported and loved him. Decorating the event were the alternating video sequences with scenes from films such as "Ah, these women", "Traces remain", "Ivan Kondarev" and others that reminded of the amazing career of the actor, and various excerpts from the book "The novel of my life", which were read by Marian Marinov, Bashar Rahal, Ivan Bernev and Vladislav Karamfilov-Vurgala and others. At the end, a special greeting was the song by Tom Jones Sex Bomb performed by Darin Angelov and Deyan Angelov - a kind of hymn to all Danailov's graduates, who, during the years of training, were motivated by his teacher to be successful and self-confident on the stage.
Minister Banov awarded Professor Stefan Danailov with the ‘’Order of the Golden Age’’ of the Ministry of Culture for a full contribution in the field of cinema, theater and culture.
The last word in the emotional show, of course, was of the the man of the night Stefan Danailov:
"I've always treated with love the people who have applauded me on stagе, who have applauded me at a rally. I have done it from my heart and not because someone has made me do it. Thank you! "(...)" Most of all, thanks to all of you who contributed to my life so he can be what Is it today when I am 75 years old, although I say I am 750. Hey people, I have lived a lot! I've seen a lot! I've eaten a lot, I've drunk a lot."
"And as New Year arrives, I want to wish you to be well, healthy and smiling! Smile, people, is very important."
It is almost sure that the most popular and beloved actor Stefan Danailov wasn’t able to open all of his presents, but he certainly made the most appropriate reverance to his audience by offering the people in the theatre the beautiful edition of ‘’The novel of my life’’, co-authored with Georgi Toshev.
The end of the spectacle in the National theatre Ivan Vazov can be seen here.
Photo credit: Asen Tonev
Post a Comment
Nikolay Bozhikov says he is like all of us – he has a heart and soul. Yet his life is different and much more difficult. He calls himself a "dreamer, struggling with all his forces,trying to survive the trials of life". Literally. Niki suffers from a Duchenne muscular dystrophy, but even manages to joke, calling this diagnosis ‘’the cool illness." He is in this condition since his birth. The desiese is blocking all his muscles and over the years Niki becomes completely immobile. Nikolay is in a wheelchair since the age of 8th. In 2005, his breathing has deteriorated, which has since been supported by a machine. He loses his voice. Nicki then stoped going out for 10 years. But some incredible power made him wants to fight for his life. Sam organizes a campaign with which he buys a special stroller with a breathing apparatus and gets his freedom again. Niki says that he is extremely grateful to good Bulgarians from home and abroad who helped him so that now he can enjoy his wonderful family and his recent 30th anniversary. His mother, father, sister, and two lovely nephews make him smile. Niki's connection to the world is his one hand, one keyboard and one mouse wired to a computer, which gives him the chance to freely express himself. "Sometimes I feel like the lonelier man on the ground, and sometimes I'm the happiest one, but I guess a lot of people are like this. We are not machines. The most important thing I can say is that I am much stronger than the illness, which has failed to conquere my heart and soul and can not stop me from dreaming! "
There is enormous energy and positivism within you. From where do you get that charge? Do you have some kind of personal rule - for example: wake up every morning and say ...?
I do not know exactly how this works, but that energy clearly comes from within, from my heart. I get charged and motivated by the people who manage to achieve great things. Also the love of my life without which I couldn’t go on, my favorite team CSKA, the meetings and conversations with my friends and the surrounding nature. I do not have a rule - I just know that life is worth living and every breath of air and every stroke of heart cost a million times more than gold. Even in my worst days I say: ‘’I'm going to sleep and I will get ready with fresh new forces for the new day, which hopefully will be better and bring me more smiles.’
One of your messages is that you want to make more dreams come true. What do you want to happen to you?
I find salvation in the dreams! I dream of being able to create a family - the most important and normal thing in the world. I want to have my own home, suitable and comfortable for my condition. I want to go out when I wish without caring about the stairs. Unfortunately, the situation in Bulgaria has forced me to dream endlessly without any results regarding medical services, visits by doctors or rehabilitation. I also dream to visit a lot of different countries, to see closely the beauties of the world, but a special car is also needed for this purpose. I flew a helicopter, but I need to raise the level by getting on an airplane. I want to see from very high our planet Earth, so I can be a step closer to flying in space. I would like to be able to observe the night sky as far as possible with the help of a telescope. I believe that all dreams can come true because nothing that you want so much can’t be impossible.
The world is now a rather confused and not a easy place to live in, but there is hope for better times if there is still goodness in the hearts of people. I do not like the fact that material things and money have become the most important thing for us while we think less about the power of the spirit. Because of work, responsibilities and problems, we sometimes forget to communicate, smile and be real people. Otherwise I like that the world is developing and new and useful for our future survival things are being invented.
My hometown Kalofer is a wonderful place that has kept our traditions over the years. Here is born Hristo Botev and his spirit is preserved - his great and struggling energy lives even in me and makes me not surrender. Also the nature here is divinely beautiful. It is bad that the city is developing slowly and it hasn’t yet reached 21st century. An initiative is needed - Kalofer is wonderful but somehow abandoned. There are few like our Homeland - she is beautiful and yet we care so little about her. In our country, for example, people like me have hard lives, there are not enough accessible places, there is not enough help. I admit that there were times when I wanted to live abroad. But for me it would be difficult, and if everyone goes away, who will bring the change? I believe in my country, I love Bulgaria a lot, but I do not like our ignorance!
You write wonderfuly - inspiring, emotional and infectious!
Thanks for telling me that! I'm not doing something so impressive, just writing with my heart and trying to be always real. When I stayed home for almost 10 years, I had no idea what to do with my life. I wanted to use this old, dusty computer we had. At first I did not know I could write with it, i was just playing different games. I did not even had Internet. I happened to find that there is a way to write with a virtual keyboard and it somehow motivated me a lot! I dreamed of communicating with people on the Internet, in Bulgaria and around the world. It was hard for me, I was missing the letters all the time, but I was really motivated and had the strength to do it. I trained every day and then it became very easy. After having internet access, I started finding friends, which makes my days so joyfull. I can say boldly - that saved me from surrendering. It gets more and more tiring to write sentences because every day I have less and less energy, but I do not give up. It is worth writing.
You shared with me that you would like to work, be usefull for the others as well for yourself. How do you imagine your dream job?
I would very much like to work like everyone else and be independent, I don’t wish to take anyting for granted. Generally, I dream of working in a professional radio, being part of a team. I’ve tried runing an Internet radio, did it for almost 10 years, but on an amateur level. I already dream of a professional level. I really want to help develop my city with the help of music. I made a concert in Kalofer some time ago, but that's a small part of my overall idea. I dream of organizing more concerts who will make my city famous. Kalofer is in the center of Bulgaria and can become the center of the Bulgarian musical scene or, more precisely, a center for innovative music ideas. A very ambitious project, but why not - there are no impossible things and everything is achievable. Through such an idea, I could also create a professional radio, sound recording studio, music club, and so on. It will also help my health, to be better, to afford the most necessary things. For now, it's just an idea, but if I find people and sponsors to support me, I know that there may be a second, third, fourth concert very soon. This is how i will get closer to my goals and be useful! For the time being, I have only worked as a "dreamer", but it is time for action and work.
For us you are the Ambassador of the Immeasurable Human Spirit. This is your calling, this is what you can give to others. A tremendous wealth. Where is hiding the magic of your power?
The question is quite complex, I have no exact answer. My explanation is that I have hidden power within me and it somehow emerges in difficult times. I believe everyone has this power, but not everyone can find it when he does not believe enough in himself. The magic may be that I have a huge will to live and that I want more and more no matter how I feel. I have managed to keep the good in me, I have not turn evil, I do not complain. I am a wander in this land and I have always struggled. That's what I do best. I have had many moments in which I simply can not stand - I have fallen, but then i’ve raised and became even stronger. I also realized that love is a great power and it helps me to see even more sense to live and fight for what the heart desires!
International Business Alliance.Bulgaria is an organization that aims to bring together all Bulgarians from all over the world. You reached to us and told us how wonderful this is. What would you like to say to such a large audience of compatriots from different parts of the world?
First of all, I would like to say that being able to turn to so many Bulgarians around the world is an honor and a great opportunity for me. I do not know how what I said will be accepted, but that's my story. I hope that as many people as possible can unite so we can be a big family because then we will be much stronger. We live in difficult times and no one has an easy life, but there are things worth fighting for so you can find even greater sense to live for. We are scattered everywhere, but our people are the great Bulgarian people. I believe everyone misses Bulgaria, because there is our root. I am sure that if we are together, no matter where, we can make the world better. I believe I will find many friends among you and, with their help and the Internet, I will be able to travel around the world. I am proud of all of you, although I do not know you personally, but it is enough for me that you supported and will keep on supporting the Alliance's idea, this wonderful union we need. Let’s more and more Bulgarians joins and let's show that we can do it together and we can help each other. Success!
There is enormous energy and positivism within you. From where do you get that charge? Do you have some kind of personal rule - for example: wake up every morning and say ...?
I do not know exactly how this works, but that energy clearly comes from within, from my heart. I get charged and motivated by the people who manage to achieve great things. Also the love of my life without which I couldn’t go on, my favorite team CSKA, the meetings and conversations with my friends and the surrounding nature. I do not have a rule - I just know that life is worth living and every breath of air and every stroke of heart cost a million times more than gold. Even in my worst days I say: ‘’I'm going to sleep and I will get ready with fresh new forces for the new day, which hopefully will be better and bring me more smiles.’
One of your messages is that you want to make more dreams come true. What do you want to happen to you?
I find salvation in the dreams! I dream of being able to create a family - the most important and normal thing in the world. I want to have my own home, suitable and comfortable for my condition. I want to go out when I wish without caring about the stairs. Unfortunately, the situation in Bulgaria has forced me to dream endlessly without any results regarding medical services, visits by doctors or rehabilitation. I also dream to visit a lot of different countries, to see closely the beauties of the world, but a special car is also needed for this purpose. I flew a helicopter, but I need to raise the level by getting on an airplane. I want to see from very high our planet Earth, so I can be a step closer to flying in space. I would like to be able to observe the night sky as far as possible with the help of a telescope. I believe that all dreams can come true because nothing that you want so much can’t be impossible.
How does the world look like trough your eyes? Your city, our country?
The world is now a rather confused and not a easy place to live in, but there is hope for better times if there is still goodness in the hearts of people. I do not like the fact that material things and money have become the most important thing for us while we think less about the power of the spirit. Because of work, responsibilities and problems, we sometimes forget to communicate, smile and be real people. Otherwise I like that the world is developing and new and useful for our future survival things are being invented.
My hometown Kalofer is a wonderful place that has kept our traditions over the years. Here is born Hristo Botev and his spirit is preserved - his great and struggling energy lives even in me and makes me not surrender. Also the nature here is divinely beautiful. It is bad that the city is developing slowly and it hasn’t yet reached 21st century. An initiative is needed - Kalofer is wonderful but somehow abandoned. There are few like our Homeland - she is beautiful and yet we care so little about her. In our country, for example, people like me have hard lives, there are not enough accessible places, there is not enough help. I admit that there were times when I wanted to live abroad. But for me it would be difficult, and if everyone goes away, who will bring the change? I believe in my country, I love Bulgaria a lot, but I do not like our ignorance!
You write wonderfuly - inspiring, emotional and infectious!
Thanks for telling me that! I'm not doing something so impressive, just writing with my heart and trying to be always real. When I stayed home for almost 10 years, I had no idea what to do with my life. I wanted to use this old, dusty computer we had. At first I did not know I could write with it, i was just playing different games. I did not even had Internet. I happened to find that there is a way to write with a virtual keyboard and it somehow motivated me a lot! I dreamed of communicating with people on the Internet, in Bulgaria and around the world. It was hard for me, I was missing the letters all the time, but I was really motivated and had the strength to do it. I trained every day and then it became very easy. After having internet access, I started finding friends, which makes my days so joyfull. I can say boldly - that saved me from surrendering. It gets more and more tiring to write sentences because every day I have less and less energy, but I do not give up. It is worth writing.
You shared with me that you would like to work, be usefull for the others as well for yourself. How do you imagine your dream job?
I would very much like to work like everyone else and be independent, I don’t wish to take anyting for granted. Generally, I dream of working in a professional radio, being part of a team. I’ve tried runing an Internet radio, did it for almost 10 years, but on an amateur level. I already dream of a professional level. I really want to help develop my city with the help of music. I made a concert in Kalofer some time ago, but that's a small part of my overall idea. I dream of organizing more concerts who will make my city famous. Kalofer is in the center of Bulgaria and can become the center of the Bulgarian musical scene or, more precisely, a center for innovative music ideas. A very ambitious project, but why not - there are no impossible things and everything is achievable. Through such an idea, I could also create a professional radio, sound recording studio, music club, and so on. It will also help my health, to be better, to afford the most necessary things. For now, it's just an idea, but if I find people and sponsors to support me, I know that there may be a second, third, fourth concert very soon. This is how i will get closer to my goals and be useful! For the time being, I have only worked as a "dreamer", but it is time for action and work.
For us you are the Ambassador of the Immeasurable Human Spirit. This is your calling, this is what you can give to others. A tremendous wealth. Where is hiding the magic of your power?
The question is quite complex, I have no exact answer. My explanation is that I have hidden power within me and it somehow emerges in difficult times. I believe everyone has this power, but not everyone can find it when he does not believe enough in himself. The magic may be that I have a huge will to live and that I want more and more no matter how I feel. I have managed to keep the good in me, I have not turn evil, I do not complain. I am a wander in this land and I have always struggled. That's what I do best. I have had many moments in which I simply can not stand - I have fallen, but then i’ve raised and became even stronger. I also realized that love is a great power and it helps me to see even more sense to live and fight for what the heart desires!
International Business Alliance.Bulgaria is an organization that aims to bring together all Bulgarians from all over the world. You reached to us and told us how wonderful this is. What would you like to say to such a large audience of compatriots from different parts of the world?
First of all, I would like to say that being able to turn to so many Bulgarians around the world is an honor and a great opportunity for me. I do not know how what I said will be accepted, but that's my story. I hope that as many people as possible can unite so we can be a big family because then we will be much stronger. We live in difficult times and no one has an easy life, but there are things worth fighting for so you can find even greater sense to live for. We are scattered everywhere, but our people are the great Bulgarian people. I believe everyone misses Bulgaria, because there is our root. I am sure that if we are together, no matter where, we can make the world better. I believe I will find many friends among you and, with their help and the Internet, I will be able to travel around the world. I am proud of all of you, although I do not know you personally, but it is enough for me that you supported and will keep on supporting the Alliance's idea, this wonderful union we need. Let’s more and more Bulgarians joins and let's show that we can do it together and we can help each other. Success!
For those who visit the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) for the first time, the experience can turn into a lasting cultural shock. Although prepared with enough information, during my first visit of this cultural event, I was unable to withstand the size and impetus of the festival. For 5 days, Amsterdam turned into a huge playground for grown ups, where the only rules were the limits of human creativity.
The festival focuses on electronic music and its influence on other cultural spheres. Interviews with artists, master classes with proven names on the world stage, new audiovisual technologies, discussions on the vast possibilities of acoustics, all sorts of "gadgets" and a lot more await those who dare to get lost in the streets of Amsterdam, only to find what the future can bring. Because of its size, this event undoubtedly transforms the world as we know it into an endless tales of emotion and music. I have visited various interesting places around the world, but I have never felt so powerless standing before the diversity of a cultural event.
The meeting point of the festival is considered to be the ADE Hangout place in the transformed especially for the occasion theatre De Brakke Grond, located a minute away from The Dam Square – the heart of Amsterdam’s street life. Here were the ADE panel halls, where all the conferences, sound laboratories and workshops with names like Dave Clarke, Reinier Zonneveld, Joris Voorn, Nina Kravitz, Surgeon, Anthony Rother took place. Along with this stream of information, every visitor had the chance to test the latest technology hits from manufactures such as Roland, Native Instruments, Pioneer, Novation, Ableton and many others. Personally, I didn’t feel nearly as excited at Christmas as a kid, as I did in the middle of these halls filled with "toys for grown ups."
[gallery ids="408,407" type="rectangular"]
The next 50 pages would not have been enough to describe everything inspiring I encountered during these few days. One of the turning points of the whole trip happened on Friday when I was at a live performance of the best of Bulgarian electronic music - KiNK, who tested new sample players from Pioneer. Perhaps a more accurate word in this case would not have been testing, rather it was demonstrating to Pioneer how to use their own gear. Strahil Velchev is probably the most innovative figure in the whole history of Bulgarian electronic music, but we’ll go back to his story in an exclusive feature, due to the special attention that it requires. In the moments when I listened to KiNK, I felt proud of the huge influence a Bulgarian has on culture internationally. At times like these, I strongly believe in the immense opportunities of International Business Alliance.Bulgaria, whose purpose is precisely to connect and promote Bulgarian talent and business opportunities.
The real magic of the Amsterdam Dance Event happened beyond the walls of De Brakke Grond. Every corner of the city became a musical world of its own. Turning to a small street you never knew what awaits you - a favourite artist in a plate shop, an improvised party at a city square – behind every corner there was a little musical surprise waiting to be discovered.
This event is a true example of the power of a society that is subject to a common goal.
Starting from the Central Station and reaching the far districts of Amsterdam, various parts of the city were painted yellow, symbolising that ADE had been there. This festival blurs the boundaries between business and fun, involving everyone on it’s way, giving one of the strongest examples I know about the fact that together we have better fun and together we are more progressive.
Text and photos by Asen Nedyalkov
The festival focuses on electronic music and its influence on other cultural spheres. Interviews with artists, master classes with proven names on the world stage, new audiovisual technologies, discussions on the vast possibilities of acoustics, all sorts of "gadgets" and a lot more await those who dare to get lost in the streets of Amsterdam, only to find what the future can bring. Because of its size, this event undoubtedly transforms the world as we know it into an endless tales of emotion and music. I have visited various interesting places around the world, but I have never felt so powerless standing before the diversity of a cultural event.
The meeting point of the festival is considered to be the ADE Hangout place in the transformed especially for the occasion theatre De Brakke Grond, located a minute away from The Dam Square – the heart of Amsterdam’s street life. Here were the ADE panel halls, where all the conferences, sound laboratories and workshops with names like Dave Clarke, Reinier Zonneveld, Joris Voorn, Nina Kravitz, Surgeon, Anthony Rother took place. Along with this stream of information, every visitor had the chance to test the latest technology hits from manufactures such as Roland, Native Instruments, Pioneer, Novation, Ableton and many others. Personally, I didn’t feel nearly as excited at Christmas as a kid, as I did in the middle of these halls filled with "toys for grown ups."
[gallery ids="408,407" type="rectangular"]
The next 50 pages would not have been enough to describe everything inspiring I encountered during these few days. One of the turning points of the whole trip happened on Friday when I was at a live performance of the best of Bulgarian electronic music - KiNK, who tested new sample players from Pioneer. Perhaps a more accurate word in this case would not have been testing, rather it was demonstrating to Pioneer how to use their own gear. Strahil Velchev is probably the most innovative figure in the whole history of Bulgarian electronic music, but we’ll go back to his story in an exclusive feature, due to the special attention that it requires. In the moments when I listened to KiNK, I felt proud of the huge influence a Bulgarian has on culture internationally. At times like these, I strongly believe in the immense opportunities of International Business Alliance.Bulgaria, whose purpose is precisely to connect and promote Bulgarian talent and business opportunities.
The real magic of the Amsterdam Dance Event happened beyond the walls of De Brakke Grond. Every corner of the city became a musical world of its own. Turning to a small street you never knew what awaits you - a favourite artist in a plate shop, an improvised party at a city square – behind every corner there was a little musical surprise waiting to be discovered.
This event is a true example of the power of a society that is subject to a common goal.
Starting from the Central Station and reaching the far districts of Amsterdam, various parts of the city were painted yellow, symbolising that ADE had been there. This festival blurs the boundaries between business and fun, involving everyone on it’s way, giving one of the strongest examples I know about the fact that together we have better fun and together we are more progressive.
Text and photos by Asen Nedyalkov
Paola Minekov acknowledges the importance of networking in her career.
Talented artist and multimedia designer Paola Minekov has lived in London since 2008 and loves the capital's vibrant cosmopolitan culture. The city's contrast of the historic with the ultra modern energises and inspires her work.
[caption id="attachment_337" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]
Gaslight London, Acrylic on Panel[/caption]
Paola also draws on her artistic heritage from her native Bulgaria, where her family still live. Her father and mentor is the well known sculptor Ivan Minekov. Paola fuses Bulgarian stylistics and artistic trends, which she studied in Sofia, with the contemporary London art scene and the results are stunning.
'I cannot emphasise enough the important role that networking has played in my career', said Paola. 'Each time I moved to a different country - I lived in Israel and The Netherlands before coming to the UK - I built a life anew. I did this by being open to making connections and meeting new people. Then when I moved to London and started to network formally, my career really took off!'
As well as creating opportunities to meet exciting people, networking has opened the doors to major artistic projects. Paola exhibited in the first ever Faberge Egg Hunt, decorated the sponsor's elephant for the Intu Elephant Parade National Tour, and led the creation of a student community mosaic mural at London's Institute of Education.
[caption id="attachment_342" align="aligncenter" width="1800"]
Twiggie on Tour, intu Elephant Parade, Faberge Big Egg Hunt, Centenary Mosaic community project at IOE London[/caption]
'I am really enthusiastic about the power of networking and am confident that IBA can help Bulgarian businesses make a bigger impact on a broader canvas,' said Paola.
Paola hopes IBA.Bulgaria will also help young people nurture their personal and professional development by offering them an easy way of connecting with the right people, in any industry, who could help them at the beginning of their careers.
One of Paola's personal ambitions is to promote Bulgarian art at international level. She says, 'I am confident that IBA will be brilliant at helping achieve this goal!'
[caption id="attachment_345" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]
Plovdiv, Acrylic on Paper[/caption]
Talented artist and multimedia designer Paola Minekov has lived in London since 2008 and loves the capital's vibrant cosmopolitan culture. The city's contrast of the historic with the ultra modern energises and inspires her work.
[caption id="attachment_337" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]
Gaslight London, Acrylic on Panel[/caption]Paola also draws on her artistic heritage from her native Bulgaria, where her family still live. Her father and mentor is the well known sculptor Ivan Minekov. Paola fuses Bulgarian stylistics and artistic trends, which she studied in Sofia, with the contemporary London art scene and the results are stunning.
'I cannot emphasise enough the important role that networking has played in my career', said Paola. 'Each time I moved to a different country - I lived in Israel and The Netherlands before coming to the UK - I built a life anew. I did this by being open to making connections and meeting new people. Then when I moved to London and started to network formally, my career really took off!'
As well as creating opportunities to meet exciting people, networking has opened the doors to major artistic projects. Paola exhibited in the first ever Faberge Egg Hunt, decorated the sponsor's elephant for the Intu Elephant Parade National Tour, and led the creation of a student community mosaic mural at London's Institute of Education.
[caption id="attachment_342" align="aligncenter" width="1800"]
Twiggie on Tour, intu Elephant Parade, Faberge Big Egg Hunt, Centenary Mosaic community project at IOE London[/caption]'I am really enthusiastic about the power of networking and am confident that IBA can help Bulgarian businesses make a bigger impact on a broader canvas,' said Paola.
Paola hopes IBA.Bulgaria will also help young people nurture their personal and professional development by offering them an easy way of connecting with the right people, in any industry, who could help them at the beginning of their careers.
One of Paola's personal ambitions is to promote Bulgarian art at international level. She says, 'I am confident that IBA will be brilliant at helping achieve this goal!'
[caption id="attachment_345" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]
Plovdiv, Acrylic on Paper[/caption]View Paola's portfolio at paola.art
Picture Credits: Paola painting Twiggie: © Kristina Kashtanova | Twiggie on Tour: © intu | Colourful World, Faberge Big Egg Hunt: © Michael Murphy | IOE Community Project: © Suzanne Mitchell
 |
| Impressions of Barcelona, Oil on Canvas, Paola Minekov |
Author and artist - Paola Minekov -
Sometimes you arrive in a strange city completely by chance and you immediately feel at home… And sometimes you may have lived there all your life, know every block of pavement as the palm of your hand, and yet you just can’t shed this uneasy feeling that perhaps you don’t really belong there.
Our relationship with urban spaces is long and complex, an integral part of our evolution as species. What defines the character of a city? Is it the architecture, the private memories we share with someone special, the unique light, the smells?
 |
| Amsterdam, Acrylic on Canvas, Paola Minekov |
When I paint the cities I’ve lived in and visited, I do so from memory and a few rather vague sketches. I’m not looking for realism but for that spark which inspires me to return to a place, in my mind, again and again. I let my impressions of the streets, buildings and nature take over and turn into abstractions until the picture I see when I close my eyes is clear and distinctly mine.
Then I transfer it to the canvas.
 |
| Gaslight London, Acrylic on Panel |
Gaslight London, the paining above, is a contemporary take on the classic view of the city’s historical centre. All great cities are built near a river or the sea and London, with its impressive bridges, makes no exception.
As an artist, I find the reflections of light in water a fascinating extension of our physical world, an alternative reality I can spend hours exploring in my art.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)