Wander: Vilnius, Lithuania

 

Lithuania has a rich history going back centuries, taking architectural influence from their Pagan roots, the French, the Italians and subsequently the Russians as well. 

What I found interesting (and not at all expected), was Vilnius' narrow Medieval streets as well as its Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic buildings! Given Russia's occupation, it's amazing they had the decency to leave most of Vilnius' Old Town alone. The city's beautiful character charmed them too, I guess?

With naming Vilnius a Unesco World Heritage Site, much has been done to preserve the integrity of this section of town. While many buildings look to be on the brink of falling over, people still inhabit them. Whether they're safe structures or not, is another question. Although, from where we were standing it looked as though architectural engineers are kept quite busy here.

Creatively speaking, there's so much to draw inspiration from. With all of its complexities, dark, long history and ultimate beauty, I would definitely say Lithuania is worth exploring! I'm really happy we included Vilnius on this holiday, not just for personal reasons, but also for a deeper appreciation of Eastern Europe's triumphant nature. 

We'll most certainly be back! 

Wander: A sort of homecoming. Lithuania.

Feeling like I've come home.

Why come to Lithuania? Where is Lithuania?

We often got quizzical looks when we mentioned Vilnius being part of our travel plans. Much of Eastern Europe is still unchartered territory for the average traveller, so we understood anyone's surprise. Especially when its lumped in with our other heavy-footed destinations of Scotland, Berlin and Paris.  

I've always proudly identified as Lithuanian (at least in part), as I'm first generation Canadian on my father's side. As Lithuanians of a certain generation, my grandparents lived through atrocities that we have never been privy to know. Between hiding from the Nazi and Soviet armies, their last few years in Lithuania must have been filled with absolute fear, distrust and God knows what else. My father was born inside a German DP (displaced persons) camp and at the age of 6 months, he and my grandmother bravely escaped by boat to Canada. My grandfather left several months before to work as a minor in Northern Ontario. He was determined to firmly root his family in a new life away from the chaos.

Knowing part of your own history is quite dark, you're both in awe of your grandparents' strength and determination but also horrified this could ever be possible and you weep for their innocence. Lithuania finally gained its independence from Russian occupation in 1991, which has had a strong impact on how the country has flourished since. 

I have a rooted connection to my heritage, but I lacked any connection to the land itself. Being an artist there's always been something inside of me that felt very in-tune with my Lithuanian (and French) heritage. When we began planning our month-long trip my husband made a huge plea for Lithuania. Yes, Kevin was the main force behind our decision to visit my 'homeland'. 

My vision of Lithuania growing up was often a place of fear, despair and sadness, but eventually of triumph and determined spirit. My trepidation with visiting was that of fear itself. Fear I would regret coming. Fear I would find a total disconnection to the people, culture and land. Fear my heritage was only a blood line and nothing else. You have such admiration and pride for your ancestors that I feared I'd leave with a confused identity.

What my time in Vilnius has shown me is that I am in fact, Lithuanian. Our short time there brought me solace and a new sense of 'home' and belonging. While this was a personal trip to my 'homeland', it also opened me up to a whole other part of Europe!

Eastern Europe doesn't get the credit it deserves. While Western Europe is being overrun with tourists, Eastern Europe has its own thing going on. 

We'll most certainly be back! In the meantime, I've come away with a full heart and plenty of inspiration to feed my new found creativity.  

I'll share additional thoughts on our time in Vilnius in a separate post. Stay tuned.  

Shop: Pretty Paper Please

 

Branding solutions is what I offer my clients on a daily basis. When I had to turn the tables and think about how to brand myself and stationery line... it became a whole new challenge.

As part of my consignment/wholesale business series over on Lotus Events' blog, I've shared my insights on branding yourself in today's post. 

I'll be covering lookbook design, line sheets and catalogues over the next few weeks. Make sure to follow along!

Wander: Toronto

I'm a fan of character. If you stand a chance with me, you NEED character. Toronto has heaps of it. I miss you old friend.

(Taken with Instagram)

Wander: Toronto.

I went home to Toronto for a week just recently. This trip reminded me how much we've missed being a part of it – its character and its grit. Toronto is a gorgeous city in its own right and doesn't get the credit it deserves sometimes.

In the 6+ years we've been gone, time is not something we have much of when we're quickly dropping in on family so we made an effort to wander around and reconnect with our former city. 

Felt good to be home, even for just a bit. 

(Photos taken with Instagram)

Spaces: Norrgavel

This is where I wanted to wake up this morning. The cooler temperatures makes wanting to run away to the woods and burn real log fires very real for me. 

Credit: Norrgavel

Texture: Bark

Wandered the neighbourhood last night and captured this bark detail on one of the trees. Something about its cozy-cabin colours and weathered layers sent my overactive brain whirling. Such a beautiful palette!

Knit: Fingerless Gloves

first. let me just say it’s so nice to be blogging again. i’m really going to make this corner of the web, my own. 

here. i plan to share personal creative projects. my daily inspirations whether they’re found inside/outside my apartment walls and maybe a nice balance of other work I’m crushing on from other designers/artists out there.  

to start things off. i’m knitting again. with the noticeable autumn-like change in the air it was inevitable. first project of the season were these custom fingerless gloves. super simple and i’m crazy excited about each gloves individualism. i’ve added a bright orange stripe along the left hand while the bright colour detail is only added to the thumb hole of the right.