Serenity and balance: Adamova’s creations are a reflection of her character. Over the years, she has developed her very own style. With harmonious shapes, smooth surfaces and precision, she creates unmistakable sculptures – the surface of which seems to be palpable at the mere sight of it. In her works, she also pays attention to natural materials and tries to test the limits of the medium.
Adamova has been drawing since her early childhood and was encouraged by those around her to pursue her talent. Experimenting and researching, making mistakes without fear and trusting that the effort will pay off – this is the philosophy that has driven her for years.
© Courtesy of the artist
Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?
I was born in the city of Burgas, which is located on the Bulgarian part of the Black Sea coast. I have lived in Sofia since graduating from the National Academy of Arts in 2001.
Since 2003 I have also been working in the capital, developing my own projects most of the time. I also work part-time as a gallerist at Testa Gallery – the place with the best collection of contemporary ceramics, jewellery and objects in Sofia.
Do you have a favourite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?
Depending on how much free time I have, I choose different ways to relax and unwind. A trip to the sea and to my home town always gives me a lot of energy. I also love the mountains, and the fact that Mount Vitosha is only half an hour away from the city centre is a great advantage. Nature gives me peace and is a never-ending source of inspiration for me. I love walking through the small and quiet streets in the old town centre. I also enjoy looking at the beautiful old facades of the buildings from the last century.
Sofia is a very green city. There are many small gardens in the neighbourhoods where you can have a coffee outside, read a book or just sit on a bench and enjoy the sunlight. I like walking through the alleyways in the city parks, observing the plants, the birds and the passers-by and enjoying the life that is bubbling around me.
©Free Sofia Tour
Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?
There are several problems and disturbances. The most serious, however, is the problem of corruption among politicians and the wrong decisions made by the ruling parties over a long period of time – the last 20 years. All of this has consequences that we are all experiencing today and that make life difficult for us. But there are also no good prospects for the future.
In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years – and what has not?
After the years of the pandemic and the associated crisis, life here – like everywhere else in the world – has naturally changed. I would say for the better, because people have rediscovered their connection to family, friends and nature. They have also recognized the importance of communication and strong, healthy community relationships. At the same time, I observe a strange phenomenon: people are numb and no longer pay attention to the mess around them. The streets and squares are not clean and it seems as if people have stopped making an effort to keep them tidy. There is still hope, as many initiatives and organizations are working to preserve and protect nature.
Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers – whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?
Many artists and craftspeople work in their studios and present their works in small art stores and galleries in the city center. We have a great tradition in the fields of ceramics, textiles and jewelry. There are workshops for handmade candles or cosmetics made from pure essential oils, local herbs and plants, all natural ingredients. Customers prefer these products to the mass-produced products of world-famous cosmetics brands. Farmers’ markets are held at various locations on different days of the week, offering high-quality and delicious organic products.
Is there anything particularly innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?
I can’t recognize anything in particular that I haven’t already seen elsewhere in the world.
Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?
There are a number of good places, some of my favorites are:
Little Things, Made in Blue, Sun and Moon, Hlebar.
©jc_silver
Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?
Small family-run stores still exist in the neighborhoods, but they have a hard time surviving because of the competition from the big chains. I have a favorite store on Shishman St. The owner has been running this grocery store for over 20 years.
What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day?
I’m not your typical app user. In fact, I’ve been limiting the use of my cell phone and all the social media apps associated with it lately. I use Spotify to find and listen to music and podcasts that I like and find interesting. I use Merlin to record and identify birds by their calls. And to identify plants and herbs I use Pl@ntNet.
Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?
I review KULTURA – a monthly online publication for art and culture.
I also have a subscription to the weekly Capital light newsletter.
Imagine you could be a mayor for a year – what would you change?
I would restrict car traffic in the center of Sofia and turn a large part of the center into a pedestrian zone.
©Kate Krasautsava
One last question: If you could choose another place to live – regardless of financial or time constraints – which one would you choose ?
I would live somewhere near the Sea in southern Spain or Italy.
© Courtesy of the artist
