Hi Friends,

I’m Marichka.

I’ve been singing since as long as I can remember. I didn’t have much say in the matter. I’m the daughter of a Ukrainian Catholic priest. As the old saying goes, Roman Catholics sit and pray, Ukrainian Catholics stand and sing. I am very greatful however for the informal and constant musical training I received in my youth. I am moved by communal singing whether it is Eastern European biliy holos, Bulgarian folk or southern american spirituals… as long as it’s together it’s beautiful !

Travel is another inspiration for me. I’ve had the good fortune of travelling to countries and continents far and wide and with every trip I gain a keener sense of how important it is to preserve regional histories, flavours and customs. Without regionally specific traditions and crafts, everywhere feels like everywhere else. I am fascinated by indigenous and “peasant”lifestyles, especially where food, handicrafts and life philosophies are concerned. Teaching on a tiny island in the Japanese East China sea for a year was a real walden experience for me. It made me slow down and as a friend put it, ” focus on the things our grandparents all knew just from plain living “.

Now, my greatest goals are to be a creator and not just consumer of culture. I make self-published books ( zines) and chapbooks, textile crafts, try to make ethical food choices where possible and have dabbled in photography and pottery. I’m hoping to learn – crochet and rug hooking next. Drop me a line if you know how ! I’m interested in keeping my hands busy and giving my brain a break sometimes.

Someday, I’d like to set up a retreat in the country where music, art, culture, healthy lifestyles ( and kitchen parties…) can flourish without restraint ( kind of like this ?) . For now, I try to keep the city out with good books and with the help of my wonderful kosa friends.

Me and some friends are interested in starting a socially conscious doc/film club. Have any titles to suggest ? Want to take part ? E-mail marika.galadza ( at )gmail.com

Na razi,

Schaslyvo,

Marichka