OCA PEOPLE: ANNA GHARIB

OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / work.
Anna Gharib: I am an author, a coach specializing in supporting sensitive and creative individuals, and a blogger focused on exploring cultural differences between the East and West on Facebook. Additionally, I am a tarot reader and an abstract artist.

Originally from Kyiv, Ukraine, I have been residing in London for the past 2.5 years.

My educational background is in chemistry and mathematics, and I bring 20 years of experience from managing a family business in Kyiv that offered seminars and VIP tourism. I also have experience living in exile in the Middle East.

OCA: How did you choose your path and who is your role model in the creative space or life?
AG: Creativity has always been a hallmark of my family, with every member, including the men, deeply engaged in artistic pursuits and an appreciation for beauty. It feels as though my journey through creativity was destined from the moment I was born.

I have also been inspired by the remarkable lives and missions of figures like Alexander the Great and Isadora Duncan, as well as the intriguing character of Sherlock Holmes.

OCA: What is your main achievement in 2023-2024?
AG: Due to circumstances, I had to leave the two countries where I lived (Ukraine and Lebanon). but I successfully continued my work from London.

I received a grant for my book after winning first place in the “Prose” category of the “Open Eurasia” literary competition.

Additionally, I participated in three exhibitions in London showcasing my paintings.

I also achieved first place in the World Coaching Championship. Through coaching sessions I’ve helped many women understand and embrace their true selves.
I am proud to say that I successfully secured a place for my daughter at one of the top art schools in London.

OCA: What is the main feature that makes you and your art/work unique?
AG: I approach my work and activities with complete sincerity, creating with passion and an open heart. Rather than following trends, I strive to set them, embracing my unique style. I tackle subjects often considered “taboo,” unafraid to explore difficult topics.

In a way, I see myself as a playful provocateur for those I care about. I welcome both fans and haters, viewing them as natural responses from a creative individual.

OCA: Tell us, please, about the events or projects of the Eurasian Creative Guild (London) and projects that you have already taken part in and how does ECG influence your creativity and success in your work?
AG: My plans to publish a book in multiple countries were disrupted by global events since pandemic. I struggled to see how I could move forward with my publication after everything I had experienced. However, the Guild provided me with the opportunity to realize my dream of publishing a book.

Through the Guild, I connected with creative individuals and like-minded souls, helping me establish a supportive community in a new country.

Additionally, my participation in the World Coaching Championship, along with the process of writing my manual, offered me a fresh perspective on my work. Where I once viewed my efforts as spontaneous, receiving the title “For Consistency and the Author’s View on the Development of Women” profoundly shifted my understanding of my own journey.

OCA: What is your motivation and the main aim of your creativity?
AG: Creativity flows through my veins. I often describe my process metaphorically:

“I write as naturally as I breathe. I stand at the edge, releasing butterflies from my chest and delighting in their flight”.

The essence of my work is to communicate beauty and insight to others through words, symbols, forms, colors, and metaphors. In ancient times, individuals like me were called Hierophants. Today, we are the guides.

OCA: What would you wish for the members of the Guild and other creative people, just starting their career?
AG: First and foremost, I encourage them to reflect honestly on the question: “Why am I doing this? What is the meaning and mission behind my work?”

Next, I suggest exploring the nature of their creativity, including their preferred modes of expression and the sources of their inspiration.

Based on this understanding, I recommend creating a schedule and a plan to bring their creative ideas to life. Finally, I acknowledge that one of the most challenging aspects for creative individuals is presenting their work to the world, which is a crucial step in the creative process.