From the Republic of Tatarstan in Russia, Liya tells us about her work as a virologist in Brno and the disbelief in science, among other things.

Liya closes the door as fast as possible as I step back. It's for my own safety. I was entering  a containment area where she takes care of, feeds, and observes how viruses reproduce and react to some of the tests they go under as part of her research. We just watch through the glass door like two little kids.

Liya showed us 3D models and pictures of the viruses on her computer. These are more like abstract geometric design, but it has nothing to do with creativity.

Watch the video to learn about a virus that is attacking bees and what a virologist from Russia does in the city of Brno.

Safety first. Masks, before used just inside the lab, now everywhere.

After feeding the viruses, a cup of coffee is always welcomed

Liya works in CEITEC (Central European Institute of Technology) which is the European Research Center for Life Science, Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology. CEITEC was founded by a group of Brno universities and research institutes and supported by both the South Moravian Region and the city of Brno.

On how from wanted to be like Napoleon ended up as an artist, Alberto tell us his story of being a sculptor in Czech Republic.

Alberto welcome us in his workshop outside the center of Brno. The white dust from the statues he has been working on come to us too. I feel like at home, I think to myself. I am familiar with all the tools, the white marble, the small drafts of clay to be done later at a bigger size. My father being a sculptor too, used the same tool and I know that if you go into a workshop like this, expect to get dirty.

Sunset approach while Alberto give last touches to a small marble statue.

A mask, a pneumatic hammer, polishers are tool used to carve marble and granite when not working on clay. Sculpture would be an expensive hobby, he says.

He take us then to a small tour by the artificial lake next to his workshop. A pretty surprise that we could not foresee. The lake has fishes, colorful Japanese carps, not for eating he remarks and ducks to which he is taught not to feed with "rohlik" by Olena. The afternoon sun still shines warm us a bit against the cold spring wind. We do some shoots and go back to the workshop before gets darker and colder.

We set up the cameras in the backyard, test microphones, I read my notes and get ready. Three, two, one, go!

Alberto working a project of two centaurs fighting.

His daughter on the left, a spartan cat, he and a bust of woman, all in Carrara marble.  For sculpture, he says, stone is the material for excellence.

"Michelangelo you know. He is the teacher of teachers. It is like a sculptor Christ.  A before and after"

"Painting is to add while sculpture is to remove."

Casts of the faces from his models and friends decor his workshop. Below Poseidon awaits to be finished.

"If you don't master drawing, you can't sculpt."

Drawing and anatomy are the most important things for a sculptor.

You can follow Alberto on his social channels:

https://www.facebook.com/Albertogedeonsculptor

Saint Barbara, now in the construction area of a tunnel that will connect the Brno Hospital to the city's tram line. Santa Barbara is the patron of miners, that is why it is there. Photo: courtesy of the author.

 

Lysippus, marble sculpture - Symposium of figurative sculpture in Crimea 2019 Lysippus, mramorová socha - sympozium figurální sochy na Krymu 2019. Photo: courtesy of the author.

Sculpture done in a symposium in the city of Biga-Turkey, the theme is Troy! Here is Achilles and Hector trying to free themselves from the stone! Photo: courtesy of the author.

Česky:

In Čech (In Czech). Jsme tady, ale nejsme odsud. Někteří z nás jen na chvíli, jiní na celý život. Připojte se k tomuto dobrodružství a objevte zajímavé lidi kolem sebe.

Jsme tři. Kameramanka, fotograf, umělkyně. Asya (UA), Carlos (PE), Olena (UA). Všichni jsme se potkali v České republice a po letech života zde jsme se rozhodli spolupracovat na našem projektu In Čech. 

Budeme mluvit s cizinci, žijící v České republice. Z různých prostředí, míst a povolání, v sérii článků a video rozhovorů. Budeme sdílet obrázky, událostí, vymyšlené a skutečné příběhy cizinců žijících v Brně.

The Who:

It is three of us. Videographer, photographer, artist. Asya (UA), Carlos (PE), Olena (UA). We all met in the Czech Republic, and after years living here, decided to cooperate on our project called In Čech. 

   

The Why:

In Čech (In Czech) We are here, but we're not from here. Some of us just for bit, others their whole lives. Join us on this adventure to discover the great people around us and why they are here.

The What, Where, When and so on:

We will be introducing foreigners living in the Czech Republic. From different backgrounds, places, and professions, in a series of articles and video talks. Sharing pictures, events, fictional and real stories, done by foreigners living in Brno.