I’m one of those hybrids: Polish-American, grew up on the east coast (NYC and the Caribbean part of Florida) and came to Europe when I was 15. Finished my Masters in Fine Arts in northern Poland. Have been nomadically based in London for the past seven years getting involved in all sorts of mischief.

Growing up in the Caribbean = mermaid credentials: certified WOPR Lifeguard), scuba diving (PADI Advanced Open Water licenced), sailing (qualified Coastal Yachtmaster), have recently completed the AIDA2 Freediving Course in the Philippines... but if am nowhere near the ocean I still enjoy rock climbing, yoga, cycling, attempting to skate, juggle, hoola hoop and slacklining.

After finishing a Masters in Fine Arts in Gdansk, Poland, I also did a year of Film studies in Prague, Czech Republic so am inclined to make -and enjoy watching- animation (stopmotion, 2D, experimental), illustration, printmaking techniques, typography. I write a website about creative activism: www.proactive-art.org where you can find some of my work as well as my posts covering how artists are responding creatively to global issues.

I've been vegan for almost a decade and my way of promoting veganism (non-violent approach towards all creatures) is by cooking awesome vegan food for all my friends and family. I've completed a course in Human Nutrition specializing in the veggie diet.

What I'm doing with my life:
Creative activism. Turns out people like my art so I spend free time designing posters for protests and benefits, producing street performance (think environmental clown wrestling), paint the odd mural, animation.... Generally into environmentalism and contributing to the downfall of the establishment/patriarchy/racism/speciesism.
Respect existence or expect resistance!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

With my sidekick Steve we are cycling around France, Spain and Portugal for a few months -finger to the wind!

Hope to find new/old friends on the way?? :)

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've done years of couch surfing (with a fair bit of hitchhiking) around Europe -my spine is in the shape of a couch by now! ;)

As for lending a couch to fellow surfers, I've squatted in London for five years and we have had the pleasure of hosting dozens of amazing people that didn't mind the raw frugality of the squat scene. Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone.

Interests

• animals
• arts
• humanities
• performing arts
• fashion
• illustrations
• festivals
• dining
• cooking
• vegan
• yoga
• dieting
• movies
• juggling
• drawing
• cycling
• surfing
• scuba diving
• sailing
• rock climbing
• swimming
• animation
• teaching
• hitchhiking
• volunteering
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

My bookshelf mainly consists of three genres:
Science fiction literature
Vegan cookbooks
Art books

As for film, as mentioned before I love animation, be it paper cutout artsy experimental or massive 3D productions like pixar & dreamworks.
Science fiction is also an all time favorite!!

Music: generally moshing to rocknroll, metal, breakcore, oldschool rave, undeground hiphop and triphop. I play classical flute and my favorite instrument which some day I would like to learn to play is a drumla. Maybe you play it?

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

When I was a kid I lived in Sri Lanka for half a year with my family. We stayed with the locals in their mud huts on the beach and lived off of the fruits of the jungle and the ocean. Being home-schooled then, my brother and I had the legit excuse for not doing our homework "because the monkey stole my pencil!". It was a contrasting experience to what we had seen growing up in America where kids have everything and are always wanting more. These beach peoples had nothing but didn't want anything either, an amazing lesson on not attaching oneself to material things. :)

Teach, Learn, Share

I have years of experience volunteering as a teacher at art workshops with kids and adults -from claymation short films to life drawing to comic style illustration. I like sharing what I know of yoga too.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Cook vegan food for you! :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Italy, Jamaica, Netherlands, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Czech Republic, Philippines, Poland, Spain, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, United States