Woman of the Week Before- Barb Jusiak

Here’s a little bit about her:

I wish I could call myself an artist or at least a diamond in the rough.. but my talent, that is if I have any, is buried very deeply inside…

Born in the very artistic city of Krakow, Poland. Raised among the walls built in the Middle Ages. Walked the very same university hallways that Copernicus had walked only a few centuries earlier. Breathed the atmosphere of museums, jazz clubs, philharmonic halls, churches and THEATREs…one of my passions among the travelling, literature, writing, translations and photography.

After studying  linguistics for a few years at the Jagiellonian University I got a scholarship to Egypt where I continued my Arabic language, literature, ethnography, religion studies of that region. I immersed myself in the Egyptian history and culture totally and fell in love with the country. It’s still in my heart and soul and my only hope is that my paths will lead me there again one day. The saying ‘Africa is like narcotic’ rings true to me.

I came back to Poland to write my MA thesis and then to witness the most challenging and exciting times in the communist block. The fundamental change led by Lech Walesa and eventually led to collapse of the communist empire. It was thrilling and promising. We were all involved in the strikes believing that the best is yet to come. Yet the uncertainty followed for a lot of us and it was time to re-invent myself..  after a year of preparations and heartbreaking good-byes I left the country and got to Canada.

Ahh Canada – a love affair and a challenge.. I could write a story about my life in Canada… maybe I should save it for later… Canada is home!

In the years preceding the Games I worked with the Spirit of BC Commities across the province helping with their initiatives, supporting their efforts and gaining knowledge about our province, learning about the challenges and making real friends along the way. This was the best inspiration and thoughtful journey for myself and I have to thank All I met then. You have thought me a great deal!

And now I am back where I started. Finding myself inspired by real people stories, touched by the community spirit, ready to shed a tear in the theatre and sing along at the jam session, and yes scream and yell ‘Go Canada Go’ on Granville and Robson after the gold hockey game.

And here’s how she answered my 6 questions about creativity:

What inspires your creativity?
People. Stories. New Moon. New ideas.

I’m known for exerting when the new moon arises…when the new is on the horizon.

How have you reinvented yourself thru your creativity?
New. Future…with a promise for countless possibilities.

Thru Adventure – Learning new – Standing on top of the mountain – Doing something for others.

Based on response to your creativity, how do you involve others?
‘With the spark in the eye‘ and contagious enthusiasm, exuberance and exertion (not taking ‘no for an answers helps as well).

What is the wildest journey your creativity has taken you on?
I hope the wildest is yet to come.. looking forward to it!

What is your most memorable moment in the act of being creative?
I  hope to be able to translate a memoir published recently by a fascinating woman whose permission I still need to receive. Our paths will cross in June when I hope to get her permit. Then I’ll start working feverishly towards publishing it in Poland. I hope that with that book I’ll be able to follow my heart and passion.

What’s next for you?
A journey into the future with a hope of meeting a lot of new passionate and inspiring Spirits on the way.. Thank you Spirits wherever you are and whoever you are…I am coming, hoping you will be good to me. Until then –  Ciao!

And here’s a couple of photographs of places that inspires her creativity:

Thank you Barb and cheers to countless possibilities!