ON BEING SELF-EMPLOYED, PREGNANT AND GETTING A MASTERS
In approximately these three categories, I could classify my last year. A year ago, at the end of May, I left my last job at Riga Stradins University and decided to try to support myself independently. It was a serious decision that has led me through many different experiences over the course of the year, both sweet and pleasant, as well as some rather bitter ones. Part of my commitment was to explore as many ways as possible to engage myself because if I encounter a wall, it's better to hit it sooner rather than later. But there have been such amazing collaborations and people I've met, my first participation in a nationally significant exhibition, and ultimately, earning my own income to be on maternity leave, which I can't deny - makes me proud that I have provided for myself and my child.
Pursuing a master's degree at the Latvian Academy of Culture has proven to be a super catalyst. In the first semester, there were many moments when I didn't understand why I decided that cultural heritage is a subject I should study. However, today, as I conclude my second session, I couldn't be happier with such a fitting and valuable program. If, at the end of the first semester, I no longer wanted to write about the Soviet heritage, which is dear to my heart, then, of course, this semester I have returned to it because I can't escape my enthusiasm. I wrote about my blocks as heritage, as authentic Latvian living, examined Latvian identity on a national scale, and even developed a proposal for the interpretation of the Mezhciems heritage and submitted a personal exhibition application, as well as a communication strategy for my own brand. Slowly, bit by bit, as I put together my various works and research, the overall picture begins to emerge—my interest both in the research aspect of Soviet heritage and in the practical aspect of living in a micro-district, which ultimately manifests itself in my creative practice as heritage interpretation. I am deeply grateful to my tutors and professors, who are true specialists in their fields and generously provide advice. I was truly in awe when I had lectures with M. Mintauras, whom I quoted in both my bachelor's thesis and my master's work, as well as with Dagnija Baltina, who studied at Harvard concurrently. I sat there with shining eyes and listened attentively. And the other great inspiration comes from my classmates who work in cultural heritage institutions and have diverse experiences that they share. Somehow, we stick together tightly, and I feel tremendous support from them (it's because of my classmates that I developed the concept for my personal exhibition; I wouldn't have considered it myself).
And the most significant event that is yet to come is the baby. The new generation of block buildings, as I call it. I am thrilled to have had such a fulfilling and smooth pregnancy, where I could still fully engage myself. The only thing I eagerly await from myself and from the fact that I will be someone's mother is to become more decisive, no longer accepting poorly paid jobs and not wasting my time. I am most looking forward to the celebratory photo in front of the maternity hospital, but an even dearer photo will be by our Mežciems block, by our staircase with the stroller, the baby, ourselves, and our dog. My love for the our district where I grew up doesn't fade away, and I look forward to strolling along the Biķernieki trail.
I am slowly releasing my workaholic habits, shifting my focus from embroidery and planning to family life, and embracing the uncertainty of when to return to work and how it will happen. The only thing I will hold onto tightly is my cross-stitching needle—if a sudden inspiration arises and I need to occupy my hands.
With all of this, I slide into summer and the last month of pregnancy. I'm not sure how my content here or on the socials will look like, and I don't make any promises either. I’ll simply take care of myself and find inspiration in this new phase of life. We'll see where it takes us :)
Now, taking a rest,
Elīza
