The second story staircase landing is home to Ieva’s little artist’s studio. There’s an easel and many scattered tubes of paint. “I’m an amateur artist. I paint what’s in my imagination. My husband calls my drawings “avatars”,” she says smiling, “My first degree was in marketing, then I spent quite a while working in aviation, which was interesting. Inside, though, I am ambivalent: I like both marketing and art. This is what led me to culture management studies, so I can combine my two passions.”
The Francophilia pervades the kitchen as well. Ieva enjoys cooking and often treats her friends to several favorites: Coq-au-vin (roast chicken in wine), Burgundy beef stew, and delicious omelets. “Wherever I travel, say, France or Tuscany, I come back inspired with the beauty and pleasure of it, but I still love Vilnius, it’s so small, compact, and cozy.” Ieva smiles as the aroma of fresh strawberries fills her kitchen. Oh, how nice to have such welcoming and kind readers!
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