Interview with Vyara Boyadjieva – Bulgarian Symbols

It is time for us to introduce you to yet another talented female artist, that has been involved with our Bulgarian Symbols project. It is our Association’s first attempt to present popular Bulgarian symbols in a modern and fashionable way. This time we would like you to meet Vyara Boyadjieva!

Vyara Boyadjieva

Vyara is originally from Sofia, Bulgaria, but now lives and studies in Cambridge. She is one of those bright minds in the field of illustration and design. For her work in “Bulgarian Symbols” she chose to portrait a visual image of Bulgarian folklore music – one of the undisputed symbols of our country. The illustration itself shows the unity of traditional Bulgarian folklore instruments and the way their sound touches everyone’s heart and soul. This music is part of the Bulgarian national identity, but also reaches far beyond the Bulgarian borders.

Vyara’s illustration on a white T-Shirt

You can read a bit more about the idea behind the illustration from the author herself:

The Interview

Describe yourself using only a few words!

An extrovert and an introvert, a cinema lover with a short memory.

What is your main focus at the moment?

I am currently sketching, reading good books, enjoying the sun – relaxing!

Which is your color/colors?

Oh, this is a tough question! I have different periods, but I like to state that every color has an important role if it is in the right context with the others. Thus, I think every color is relatively important in its connection to its coexisting colors. This is what makes every color substantial and beautiful. The same applies to people.

If you could pick a project to work for with a specific topic, what topic would that be?

The unlimited, indescribable and yet deeply unknown beauty that lives in the seas and oceans.

Who are the 3 people that have inspired you lately? How do they inspire you?

I am quite happy that the people who inspire me are far more than just three and they are not only artists. I am inspired by people because of their generosity, curiosity, critical thinking and the English sense of humor. 

What did you want to show with this project?

Unity, empathy and joy, as a reaction to creating music – one of the most beautiful forms of art there is.

Did you learn something new by working for this project?

Yes! That Bulgarian folklore music is even more magnificent than I thought!

How would you promote Bulgaria to someone, who has never been here before?

It depends on who that person is. As the project already shows, I like talking about and promoting our music, but also about our four separate seasons, the aroma of our vegetables and the interesting combination between Eastern-European, Western-European and Oriental influences. The list goes on and on…

Vyara’s illustartion on a black T-Shirt

Follow Vyara on Facebook and Instagram @vyaraboya

T-Shirts with Vyara’s design can now be exclusively purchased at Gifted Sofia – 24 Ivan Denkoglou Str.