Rajonas (District): Breaking the Gray

The concrete walls symbolized the simplicity of the environment where I grew up. Gray concrete was everywhere, and conformity was the norm. Standing out, rebelling, experimenting, and expressing myself were the only ways to show the colors of my personality. Laundry drying outside, trees in the yard, swings made from old tires – these were forms of creativity and self-expression.

Fears, glimpses through the bicycle wheel into a small world, which at first was limited to the yard, and only later expanded. The broken car mirror symbolizes the fears I tried to overcome – and I believe I succeeded, at least in part.

It was Lithuania, yet at that time, the surroundings were dominated by the Russian language. I learned Russian in the streets, among friends and everyday life. Even today, you can still see graffiti in Russian on the old buildings, a silent reminder of that era.
In the texture, you can also feel dusk, sand, and a subtle sense of coziness. This warmth was created through experiences, interactions with friends and people. Love for others grew out of simplicity.

Part of the district still remains in stagnation, carrying the discomfort of time, yet there are visible steps forward. I, however, wanted to move ahead faster.

Rajonas (District): Childhood Boundaries

The playgrounds and the main training base – the glass factory with its tower – drew attention like a symbol of mystery. Watching how glass artworks were born was a special experience: they stood out from the gray everyday life, radiating creativity and a certain magic.

The garage spaces were another intriguing place – enclosed areas hiding secrets of cars and belongings. These confined spaces were full of stories that no one ever told us children.

The playground was a form of exploration – of both the environment and the train station district, and its people. It was an attempt to engage with the standard rules of play, like the dome where we felt like flowers: partly confined, partly free.

There were many restrictions, yet also a great deal of freedom to learn.

Rajonas (District): Inner Extremes

The district is surrounded by more than 5 churches – historical monuments, remnants of Russian civilization that arrived in Lithuania to build the railway. The settlers were diverse, including generations of criminals who served their sentences by laying the railway tracks.
The district also contains two prisons – one for youth and another for criminal police officers. Additionally, there are homeless shelters and a hospital, including a maternity ward. The district was full of factories, one of the most famous being Sparta, where my mother worked for many years producing the legendary Lithuanian socks.

The district is full of contrasts and extremes.

As in the district, I carried many extremes within myself – perfectionism versus freedom and playfulness, strictness versus love and compassion, high personal standards versus spontaneity.

Rajonas (District): Rails of Time

The train station was one of the contrasting places I passed every day on my way to school.
It was an important part of my life, as my father had worked with trains for more than forty years. Trains have always seemed to me both romantic and dynamic — a slow movement toward something meaningful, toward a final destination.

Project Beautiful Aging
(inspired by Italy)
Intro

The theme of the Beautiful Aging project emerged spontaneously. I have always been drawn to social themes, and this one feels both uncomfortable and deeply meaningful. We all long for more time for real life, yet so often we hear that the best part of life is lived before a certain age — and what comes after is considered something less.

With this project, I wanted to bring attention to things that may seem obvious and familiar, yet are often forgotten. Beautiful aging is about the meaning of life, about savoring what truly matters — the timeless and the essential. It shows how maturity can bring a deeper sense of fulfillment, reminding us that much depends on our own perspective and choices.

Italy — a country I have now visited four summers in a row — embodies this spirit. There, beautiful aging can be seen at every step, in every glance at daily life. To me, Italy means graceful people, the freedom to simply be, the joy of savoring gelato, the warmth of morning greetings, and the generosity of shared energy. In such an environment, priorities shift — you turn inward, reflect on life’s meaning, and rediscover happiness.

Beautiful Aging:
Mature and grace

When I first saw her on the main street of Bari, she immediately drew my attention with her appearance, her elegance, and the quiet confidence she carried within herself. It felt as though, for a brief moment, our thoughts connected, and I instinctively captured a few frames.

There was something profoundly intriguing about her — a woman both mature and beautiful, carrying within her a world of dreams and the courage to face whatever the future might bring. The way she walked, the subtle expression on her face, revealed the strength of a fighter, yet at the same time she radiated an unmistakable femininity and grace.

She embodies the essence of a true woman — brave, captivating, fully aware of what she wants from life, and admired by all who cross her path. Her style is timeless, echoing the classic elegance of the 1980s and 90s, as though she had just stepped off the screen of an Italian film. Looking at her, one feels that her life is only just beginning, filled with aspirations, goals, and carefully woven plans for the future.

Beautiful Aging:
Free to be himself in peace

On a Sunday afternoon, while wandering the streets, I came across a fish market that by evening had turned into more of a meeting place than a place of trade. Inside, the air buzzed with card games, while a little aside, a few fishermen were resting. That’s when I noticed a man who immediately drew my attention — mature, charming, with a calm expression.

He looked at me, and for about ten seconds we shared a brief, wordless dialogue. From his eyes I sensed freedom, ease, and inner peace. His face reminded me of the typical features of Italian men and embodied that true Italian state of relaxation. His curly, gray hair, his clothes, and even his gloves hinted at a punkish, creative spirit. For him, it seemed, the essence was simply to be himself — in peace.

Beautiful Aging:
Signore Peppino’s delight

In the town of Polignano a Mare lives Signore Peppino, who has been running his legendary bar for many decades. He personally serves and chats with his guests and customers. His bar is truly unique — filled with signs, posters, and photographs. It is a place where locals have long gathered to play cards, enjoy Italian beer, sip an espresso, or taste the unusual, old-fashioned ice cream made from potatoes — something truly unique. His delight at hearing that you enjoyed his handmade potato ice cream is unmistakable.

Signore Peppino radiates kindness and love for his guests, and from his every gesture it is clear that this bar is his whole life — a lifelong source of joy and passion. He is also a beautiful example of aging gracefully, with a life still full of curiosity, energy, and things yet to come.

Beautiful Aging:
Signoras in family businesses

In Apulia, family-run businesses are a cherished tradition. The first woman I met was elegantly dressed, her face full of life experience. She helped her son sell handmade products, constantly bringing him carefully chosen creations. At one point, she drifted into thought, and I captured her in that rare, reflective state — enchanting, mystical, with a soft smile, as if a beautiful memory had taken over her mind.

Later, I met another woman running her own handmade pasta business. She showcased her family’s traditional skills, crafting intricate pasta designs with remarkable focus and care. Watching her absorbed in her work, striving for perfect lines, was truly inspiring.

Beautiful Aging:
Maintaining social bonds

Conversations, conversations, and yet more conversations.
Though I don’t understand the language, it’s amazing to see how many topics there are to discuss, share, and simply enjoy together. And it’s not just about talking — it’s about being present, spending time side by side. This connection, this constant togetherness, brings a deep joy to life: the feeling of being valued, needed, and still able to be playful, have fun, and savor time with friends.

Beautiful Aging:
Active players in the society

Interest in world events and expressing one’s opinions or support is a natural part of Italian culture. It’s truly charming to see mature people fully engaged in the issues that matter to them, never indifferent to what’s happening beyond the borders of their own beautiful little corners of the world.

In Bari, for example, there were demonstrations in support of Palestine. I noticed a striking woman with gray, curly hair, who, along with her husband, listened attentively to the organizer. They exchanged thoughts quietly, yet both radiated positivity, support, and engagement.

In another part of the city, a group of mature, remarkable women stood together in silence. Still, their faces spoke volumes — concern, determination, and an active commitment to the causes they cared about.

Beautiful Aging:
If live life to the fullest

Savoring a cup of coffee, traditional pistachio ice cream, a plate of delicious pasta or pizza— simply enjoying the moment, having time to truly be, and relishing oneself.
Just like the signore in the last frame, who sang “Volare…” with such passion, completely lost in the music. Noticing me with my camera, he asked to be photographed like a star. And in that photo, he truly shines — free, relaxed, singing, and fully embracing both himself and life. Absolutely inspiring.

Beautiful Aging:
Keep moving

I had imagined Italians enjoying a slower, more relaxed pace of life. Yet, observing them, I saw that most are constantly on the move. It’s especially striking to watch mature individuals — always engaged, attending to meaningful tasks. In the first photo, the signore seems like an athlete from the 80s or 90s, as if he’s been active since his youth, and for him, time has somehow stood still.

In the last photos, the signori glide by in classic, stylish cars, looking as if they’ve stepped straight out of an Italian comedy. These fleeting images transport you to the past, suggesting that in some corners of Italy, time itself stands still — only the people keep moving.

Beautiful Aging:
Imagine

Sometimes music stirs the deepest cells of your body. It’s about sharing talent and experiences. Hearing Imagine ripple across a Lecce square, I saw a mature musician, playing a unique keyboard without sheet music, creating a warm, vibrant atmosphere. I lingered, savoring the moment. So humble, yet overflowing with talent and love for others. Other musicians, too, captivate in their simplicity or through unique instruments, enchanting everyone with their music.

Beautiful Aging:
Feel

The connection with our closest ones is something unique — not always spoken, yet felt through a subtle energy that flows between people. It is fascinating to watch these relationships, revealed in gestures of care or moments of indifference, in closeness, or in the silent language of love. In Italy, I was able to capture a few of these deeply touching moments: lovers, a father with his daughter, mature couples, and the tender connection between father and son.

Project Femininity, Rediscovered
Intro

This photo series is quiet conversation with oneself. It reflects inner shift many women face after becoming mothers - when femininity, sexuality and identity feel dimmed or distant. During photo experience I explore that lost connection and the gentle return to it. This is not just a story of what fades, but of what can be found again.

Femininity, Rediscovered:
Blocked. Fighting. Anger

This series begins with the real story about the woman closed off by the thoughts. Thoughts about being not enough. That her beauty is fading. That her body, changed by motherhood, no longer belongs to her. Anger towards herself lingers in her eyes. She reaches her deep black thoughts, throwing them out as if casting away the weight she no longer wants to carry.

These images reflect raw moment that something begins to shift...

Femininity, Rediscovered:
Lost in thoughts

She drifts inward - lost in thoughts. What remains of her femininity feels scattered. Her hands brush against the memory - her father. A relationship marked by misunderstanding and distance. That early would shaped how she sees herself: her worth, her right to feel beautiful and safe.
These are the moments when her gaze shits towards the past...

Femininity, Rediscovered:
Dialogue with yourself

A quiet dialogue begins. She starts truly see herself - not just who she once was, or who she was told to be, but as she is now. There's a soft return to her own gaze and growing sense of connection within.
This is where she meets her reflection with less judgement and more gentleness...

Femininity, Rediscovered:
Reminder

She begins to recognize her inner beauty - and let it echo into the outer beauty. Sun's light begins to touch her skin gently - revealing a beauty that feels both unique and deeply woman. It connects her to nature, to warmth and to herself.
A simple dress and high heels become more than objects, they are symbols of self-recognition. Not for everyone but for herself. They become a reminder that femininity was never lost - only waiting...

Project Contrasts
Instagram versus Reality

This is a group project, created during Photography workshop, which is a gentle but honest look at the gap between what we show and who we are.

Through two women, we explore the filtered world of Instagram - perfect life and body, healthy salads, endless smiles in selfies. But behind these posts, there is a reality - tired eyes, fast food, quiet moments of "not enough". This photo experience is a reminder that behind every perfect image, there is the real person.