Vila

Arcanist work. Exhibited in the 1990s for 26 years. Completed on April 6th in the spring. Exhibition location: An island within the Arctic Circle.

Dimensions: 65 48/64 x 35 45/64 x 14 11/64 in.

Medium: Water

Fragrance note: Aquatic, Sea Water, Linseed, Seaweed, White Birch

Afflatus: Branch of Lake Willow [Plant], Transmission of Knowledge

Arcanist work. Exhibited in the 1990s for 26 years. Completed on April 6th in the spring. Exhibition location: An island within the Arctic Circle.

Dimensions: 65 48/64 x 35 45/64 x 14 11/64 in.

Medium: Water

Fragrance note: Aquatic, Sea Water, Linseed, Seaweed, White Birch

Afflatus: Branch of Lake Willow [Plant], Transmission of Knowledge

Arcanist work. Exhibited in the 1990s for 26 years. Completed on April 6th in the spring. Exhibition location: An island within the Arctic Circle.

Dimensions: 65 48/64 x 35 45/64 x 14 11/64 in.

Medium: Water

Fragrance note: Aquatic, Sea Water, Linseed, Seaweed, White Birch

Afflatus: Branch of Lake Willow [Plant], Transmission of Knowledge

A hand-knitted scarf with patterns deeply inspired by the traditional cultures of the Far East. Mothers often knit these warming garments before their children embark on distant journeys, and this scarf is no exception.

A transparent skirt, more decorative than practical, resembling waves that silently recede before dawn. The fish-tail design, rippling like water, was inspired by a beautiful vision of a certain oceanic race.

The interviewee mentions that she once had concerns about its origin, but no longer.

A rare treasure dredged from the seafloor. Her sisters once held honey and poison alike, adorning the temples of witches and sea gods. But the interviewee prefers to scoop fresh spring water with it instead, turning it into a remedy for pain.

A simple collection of art supplies for children, including brushes, paints, and blank sheets of paper. But the interviewee goes beyond these traditional tools. She not only teaches children to paint, but also introduces them to literature, music, and mathematics.

Locally-crafted handwoven straw sandals. Their beauty lies in the patterns created by the intertwining strands rather than any printed decoration.

"I prefer to focus on people's lives, that is where art is the most vibrant." It seems the interviewee understands art better than many self-proclaimed critics.

A light and flowing textile said by the interviewee to be in the style of the Sirens.

She never expected to meet distant kin in this age. She paints the moment of reunion, and in return, she receives a Greek-style vocal lesson—along with this veil, light as a sea breeze.

"My yet unmet friends, open your eyes wide. The neighbors you fear are just as curious about you!" We mutually decided to publish this statement in order to gain a deeper understanding of the interviewee.

A local vine-woven craft, exquisite, unique, and practical. Materials like seasonal flowers and sparkling shells give it a touch of natural beauty.

There is no doubt that this is what the interviewee considers to be "art from life."

A silver-and-shell hand ornament that gives off a curious chime when tapped.

Many myths describe her people as wielders of mystical powers—singing enchanting songs, brewing strange potions, or raising towering waves of vengeance. She doesn't deny there's truth in some of the tales, but to her, these hands are most powerful not for destruction, but for what they create.

At first they were fairies by the lake, symbols of rain and fertility. Then came the roar of machinery tearing through the marshes, the factory walls overshadowing the willow branches, and the city expanding like the gaping maw of a giant beast, indiscriminately devouring everything in sight.

As the landscape changed, so did their identities, morphing into sea nymphs and forest spirits, even embodiments of evil. The Rusalki began attacking ships and luring sailors; while humans hunted them for fish oil. Conflict and hatred inevitably became the central theme between them, seemingly perpetuating for eternity.

In the midst of these dire circumstances, there are still glimmers of hope: the singing navigator at the helm of a research vessel, the occasional glint of scales from a rescuer in the water, and the tender gaze of eyes watching from a classroom blackboard.

A wider world gradually unveils itself to a pair of pale green eyes, and the astonished girl barely has time to hide her sharp teeth. The sideways glances and the undercurrents rising from below no longer draw her attention.

Indeed, she has glimpsed the great new world described in books of fiction.

"Look, I should go there. It's a different place. No Rusalki, no humans, just 'us' and a glimmer of hope."

Dear Comrade Simonov,

Today we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Rayashki's founding, and I am compelled to share this joyous occasion with you, my mentor.

By the time this letter reaches you, even more time will have passed, and I am confident that our land will have seen further development.

Rayashki now boasts well-developed roads, and we are eagerly preparing for a new phase of urban construction. We are upgrading various neighborhoods, and by the time you visit, our palace of culture should be complete, with a piano, balalaikas, vargan jaw harps, and, of course, guslis.

We've developed a vibrant community life with people forming interest groups organically. We organize hockey games, stage plays, and occasionally screen movies. Our comrades are brimming with enthusiasm, our future is ripe with hope, and we have an endless list of things we aspire to achieve. Yet, we recognize this is just the beginning. We look forward to celebrating our 70th, 80th anniversaries, and many 100th anniversaries.

I can now fully appreciate the legacy left by my parents; I see Rayashki blossoming from barrenness, and I envision it flourishing in the decades and centuries to come, becoming a center of advanced industry and agriculture with a high standard of education and living. Does that make you a little envious?

How are things on your end, Comrade Simonov? Any new and positive changes? When time permits, I would very much like to hear your updates.

May our aspirations prevail!

P. S. If there are any new books or teaching materials available, please send them our way. The children are eagerly awaiting them.

Forever your student,

Vila

Vila: Are you feeling alright, ma'am?

Pandora Wilson: ... Why do you ask that?

Vila: You look like need a sweater–no, a wool mask.

Pandora Wilson: That's okay, the fire in the hotel is warm enough.

Pandora Wilson: But I finally understand those worried but not surprised looks I got on my way here.

Vila: Heh, it's always important to show a little more consideration for others. In fact, it's downright heartless to be indifferent to the pain of others.

Pandora Wilson: Are you referring to egoism?

Vila: Far more than that. Elitism, social Darwinism ... We've seen too many terrible things, haven't we?

Pandora Wilson: Is your aspiration to eliminate them?

Vila: I'd rather call our efforts "new explorations." Such a vast world shouldn't be limited to just one voice.

Pandora Wilson: But those voices are the mainstream.

Vila: It might not necessarily be so in the future, ma'am.