**A Minute with: Sara El-Alwani, Artist**
In the vibrant city of Nicosia, artist Sara El-Alwani shares her life, inspirations, and aspirations in a candid interview. Living with her four cats and a dog, Sara's home is a reflection of her love for animals and the comfort they bring.
**Morning Rituals and Favorite Foods**
Sara begins her day with a warm Nescafe enriched with condensed milk, a recipe passed down from her grandmother. This simple yet nostalgic breakfast sets a comforting tone for her day. When asked about her perfect day, she describes a scenario devoid of household chores, where she can spend quality time with her pets and later enjoy the company of friends, either sharing a meal she has prepared or embarking on a day trip to the mountains to appreciate nature's beauty.
**Literary Influences**
An avid reader, Sara recently found profound inspiration in "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy. She describes the book as an extraordinary experience, highlighting Roy's ability to weave history, politics, and post-colonial trauma into a vivid narrative that resonates deeply with her.
Reflecting on her childhood, Sara fondly recalls Sundays spent at her grandmother’s house, where family gatherings were filled with imaginative games that allowed her to explore different characters and stories. Although these family gatherings continue, she notes that they lack the same creative spark they once had.
**Personal Touches and Musical Tastes**
Sara’s fridge is stocked with garlic and iced tea, staples that reflect her culinary preferences. While she does not yet have a driving license, she enjoys listening to Greek pop songs from the 2000-2010 era when she has the opportunity to control the music in someone else's car.
Her spirit animal, she humorously notes, is her late gladiator fish, Averof Anaxagoras, whose sassy and picky nature she finds relatable. This connection to her past pets highlights her affection for animals and the unique bonds they create.
**Achievements and Aspirations**
Sara expresses pride in her academic achievements, having taken significant steps toward her dream of becoming an academic while balancing the care of her pets and maintaining her mental and physical health. She is also gratified by the positive reception of her artwork, which she views as an extension of her identity and passion.
A memorable scene from the animated film "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron" has left a lasting impression on her, particularly the moment when Spirit races an eagle, symbolizing freedom and the beauty of nature. This scene resonates with her desire for liberation and the awe-inspiring aspects of life.
**Reflections on Family and Time**
When asked who she would choose to spend an evening with, Sara selects her paternal grandfather, whom she never had the chance to meet. She expresses a longing to learn about his life and experiences in Palestine, indicating a deep-rooted connection to her family history.
If given the chance to time travel, she would revisit her childhood years, cherishing the simplicity and innocence of those early days. However, she also acknowledges fears about the current state of the world, particularly regarding environmental issues and the destructive tendencies of humanity.
Sara advises her 18-year-old self to worry less about the future and others' perceptions, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and personal growth. She firmly stands against discriminatory behavior, stating that such attitudes would be a dealbreaker in any potential relationship.
**Facing the End**
In a hypothetical scenario where the world was ending in 24 hours, Sara envisions a day filled with meaningful interactions: playing card games with her parents, sharing coffee with her grandparents, engaging in playful debates with friends and family, and finally, curling up with her pets to enjoy music or a good book. This poignant reflection underscores her values of family, friendship, and the simple joys of life.
Sara El-Alwani's insights reveal a thoughtful and creative individual who finds inspiration in her surroundings, relationships, and experiences. As she continues her artistic journey, her love for family, animals, and literature will undoubtedly shape her work and life in Nicosia. Follow her journey on social media @etsi_skedi0n and @sara_el.alwani.