Through Lika’s Lense
Being creative can often feel challenging. Finding the inspiration you need can seem impossible, especially when you’re unsure where to look. However, inspiration is everywhere and takes on different meanings for different people, shaped by their unique experiences and perspectives. For Lika, her inspiration is deeply tied to a specific, enchanting place, Italy. A country rich in romance, history, art, and timeless beauty, Italy has profoundly influenced her creative vision. The landscapes, culture, and vibrant energy of the country continue to inspire her work, serving as a constant reminder of the limitless possibilities that creativity offers.
“Italy is my main source of inspiration. For me, it represents romance, art, and endless beauty. I find this beauty everywhere: in old vintage bars, objects, narrow streets, and especially in elderly people, in whom the elegance of time can be seen. This is why vintage plays an important role in my style. To me, beauty lies in the nostalgia and stories carried by places, objects, and people.”
Sometimes, finding true inspiration requires taking bold risks that push you beyond your comfort zone. Taking these significant risks often leads to profound personal growth that transforms our lives in meaningful ways. For some individuals, it might mean changing careers entirely, relocating to a new city where everything feels unfamiliar, or embarking on an unexpected adventure that challenges them in ways they never anticipated. By wholeheartedly embracing these risks, you allow yourself to open up to exciting new opportunities for growth and cultivate a fresh perspective on life. Lika beautifully captures the essence of taking the risk of moving to a new place:
“The biggest risk I took was leaving my homeland in search of new experiences. I knew I needed change, and a different country, a new environment, and a different culture would help me rediscover myself. It was here that I grew closer to vintage, and I further shaped my vision. While it might seem ordinary or boring to some, my photos evoke other emotions—vibrant, interesting, and most importantly, alive. My goal isn’t just to capture places, but to see them through a new perspective.”
Sharing your creative side can sometimes feel scary, serving as a barrier to overcome. Lika, however, has a different perspective on sharing her photography. Lika stated, “sharing my photos is an expression of my inner world, and the feedback I receive from strangers strengthens my self-confidence.” Sharing your perspective on the world doesn’t have to be intimidating, it can be a confidence booster and a means of inner growth.
When we take the leap to share our art, we invite others into our specific viewpoint, allowing them to connect with us on a deeper level. Each photograph can tell a story, evoke an emotion, or provoke thought, and the act of sharing can lead to enriching exchanges. It's a dialogue that often encourages artists not only to reflect on their work but to develop it further, thus fueling their creativity.
Creating can also increase your motivation. Lika describes two important life lessons when it comes to sharing her art: “This leads to two important things: inner growth and the increase of confidence. The more I openly share my inner perceptions with the world, the more clearly my inner voice sounds. Naturally, this gives me the desire to create something new, expands my ambitions, and broadens the limits of my abilities.” As artists put their work out into the world, they realize their ability of connecting a group of individuals and ability to create. Lika's insights remind us that every shared piece contributes to our evolution as creators.
It is also important to simply share your work. There is never a right time to express yourself and share your vision. Lika shares a great piece of advice by stating: “The most useful advice I’ve received was: ‘Don’t be afraid to express your vision’ and ‘Don’t wait for perfection.’ I am often asked what camera I use, but the truth is, I have never worked with a camera. I always work with my phone. What matters to me are the depth, colors, and reality, and the feelings that the frame brings! I believe the phone does an excellent job of capturing them.” Being ambitious and willing to share your perspective sometimes is the only thing you need. Do not let others be the judge of your ability to create.
Lika also does a great job of describing purpose. Why should you create? Why is it important to be comfortable with yourself? Why should you continue sharing your perspective? Reflecting on her existence is a strength: “The greatest strength and self-confidence come from reflecting on why I am here today. What is my purpose, and how did I get here? The key is being in a comfortable state with myself. Everything else—the clothes, the environment, and even the photos I take—serves as an extension of that sense of comfort.”
Lika’s journey highlights the profound power of embracing creativity, taking risks, and sharing one’s unique perspective with the world. Her experiences remind us that inspiration often comes from unexpected places and that true growth occurs when we step out of our comfort zones. Whether through photography, art, or any form of self-expression, the act of creating and sharing connects us to both ourselves and others in meaningful ways. By embracing our inner voice, we open ourselves up to limitless possibilities, allowing our creativity to flourish and our confidence to grow. Ultimately, it is not the perfection of the work that matters, but the courage to share it and the personal evolution that follows.