I felt the call of the woods and the sea, the air and the night, and I knew that I would spend the rest of my life putting it down on canvas.
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Charged with the magic of Irish folklore, Finnabair makes a spot-on brand name for a Polish mixed-media artist of worldwide renown, Anna Dąbrowska. Although possessing an MBA in adult education, she had always been drawn to the allure of colors and textures, curious findings, and old fairy tales; the art of assemblage Anna taught herself turned out to weave everything her heart sang for into a harmonious composition — and profitable business.
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As a true Renaissance woman, Finnabair offers original art classes she teaches around the world, as well as online courses; she’s also known for quality supplies designed for Prima Marketing. Anna’s signature style seamlessly combines traditional and dimensional collage techniques, found or bought objects, and mediums often having little to do with fine arts. To experiment, to repurpose and discover new appliances for items worn and torn is her favorite part of the process, and the gist of her classes; an open mind, teaches Anna, is the only tool you’ll ever need to make mixed media work.
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Shabby, whimsical, eclectic — Finnabair stands out even in the quirky world of modern art, and has therefore been covered by a multitude of industry magazines, including the prestigious Somerset Studio. Just like she always had, Anna drew from past experiences and adapted to the current state of the world, entirely digitalizing her in-person classes, and forming a unique and crafty community around herself through Patreon and social media. Pandemic or not, she does not and will not stop creating, teaching, and supporting new voices in mixed media art.

Pathways of Life
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If you tried to imagine the road you have been, are, will be following, how would it look? Give it an honest attempt. For how many of us that trail was shaped not by our own dreams or urges, but by the expectations of others?

Picture life as a forest. A lush, diverse jungle, full of other beings of this Earth, filled with rays of sun where the treetops aren’t entwined, but also with darker, wilder nooks. Would you really assume there’s a single road leading through such woods, woods that stretch as far as you can see, both enchanting and daunting?
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So often we’re discouraged to wander off the beaten path, made to think that time spent on exploring tracks less frequented is time wasted. Thrown into a rat race or convinced there’s a ladder to climb since early childhood, we end up unwittingly envisioning our lives as a steep and narrow road to cling to, with bottomless pits on each side, just waiting for us to slip, to try and change the course.

It doesn’t have to be your reality, not anymore. Open your eyes. Life is not a binary highway. There are hidden paths to discover, alleys to declutter, roads to carve and call your own.

And even if you trip, there is no fall, and no hollow to fear.

Description: Green Goddess is the tea of Mother Nature herself — gentle as the morning dew, yet powerful like summer storms. Crispy fresh and delicately sweet, it's a breath of life and a promise of adventure swirling in your cup. Reminiscent of sun-kissed fruits thanks to organic apricot and lychee flavors, Green Goddess softly awakens all senses with invigorating, citrusy tones of lemongrass, all coupled with the divine taste of miraculous green tea. Open your eyes. Feel the breeze caress your skin. Kick off your shoes, let your hair loose and embrace your true potential, Stargazer — your roots are with Mother Gaia and your crown among the stars.

Ingredients: Organic, fair trade Green Tea, Organic Lemongrass, organic-compliant apricot & lychee flavor essences

Ritual:
‍Dawn: As the rising sun tickles your face and gently guides you to start the day, walk outside barefoot, and reach your arms to the sky. Remember that you are a divine being grounded within the safety of Earth and afloat to witness wonders of the Universe. Brew Green Goddess and let it cool a couple minutes; when the warmth of its vital energy spreads through your sacred body, put one hand on your heart and remind yourself: true power lies in kindness and grace. Harmony is the key to bloom. Anything is possible — just as it seemed on childhood summer mornings.
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Dusk: The abundant summer heat slowly subsides; it has been a fruitful day, full of growth and ripe ideas. As the sun lowers itself below the horizon and the first stars show up, give yourself a sincere hug and a nod of appreciation - you deserve it, always. It is time to unwind and let go: sip on iced Green Goddess and let it cool you for the day. A tree does not bend under its fruits, it sheds them when they are ready. Until tomorrow, part your ways with the urge to continue, to push on, free the feelings of anger and fear. Stillness is also a warrior's virtue.

Health Benefits: Well-known for its incredible medicinal properties, green tea is a truly miraculous beverage. Packed with antioxidants, it can lower the "bad" cholesterol and promote cardiovascular health, improve physical and mental performance, and lower the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Green tea coupled with antibacterial lemongrass may also significantly improve oral health and prevent infections, as well as reduce bloating. Lychee fruit contains high amounts of vitamin C which can contribute to fortifying the immune system, while apricots brim with vitamin A and E, crucial to retaining sharp eyesight. The combined amounts of antioxidants in the Greed Goddess blend are bound to eliminate free radicals and thus may help to keep your skin youthful and glowing.

Tradition: Although obtained from the same plant as other types of teas, green tea does not undergo the identical withering and oxidation process as black or oolong varieties, hence its more subtle color. Thanks to that, it may contain much higher amounts of polyphenols (antioxidants) and less caffeine, making an excellent and healthy choice for people sensitive to that stimulant.

The origins of green tea are attributed to China, the cradle of tea traditions and medicinal applications, but the magical drink quickly gained popularity in other countries. One of the famous legends claim that around the year 1190, a Zen priest returned to Japan with tea seeds after having studied Buddhist temples and rituals in China; using his experience, he taught the tea ceremony to his fellow countrymen as a way of connection and meditation.

THE REASON I CREATE ART
It starts with a plot twist: art, just like love, doesn’t need a reason. I live art, I breathe art, I get high on it and I’m born anew with each blank canvas. Reality is a tapestry I tear down and redo, remake, rework, repaint, resculpt, restamp and reglue until it looks like the picture in my head. The best part? The faces of people looking at my pieces and seeing the world through my eyes.
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They say you can’t imagine a new color, I say — just open your eyes. It’s in the water and the sky, in fire and smoke, deep underground and among the stars. To me, the universe is an always-flowing river of endless tones, patterns, and textures, and I just let myself sink.
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PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
You know what’s funny? For the longest time, I didn’t know I’d be an artist. I never carried one of those huge folders for sketches under my arm, never walked around telling everyone “ohh, I’m a PAINTER”, never even went to art school. But if over 20 years in fine arts taught me anything, it’s that an art-related degree is the least important part of being a creator. You either got it in you or you don’t, and I do — when I see a space and its owners, I immediately know what they need. And because there are no two identical human beings, each piece I create is just as unique — customized and tailored to the time, place and the purpose it will serve. I paint, carve, sketch, glue, scan, digitalize, sew, stamp, and more to produce multidimensional, one of a kind artworks you won’t take your eyes and hands off of.
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I AM [name redacted]
Ever since I set up my first workshop, I called it a mixed media studio. That technique, just like me, is a jack of all trades — combining materials from the finest oil paints to scraps you’d normally throw out, mixed media is a world where everything is possible and nothing is limited. Romantic pieces to hang in your bedroom? I got it. Creepy dolls my son used to hate as a kid? Yep. Carved kitchen utensils you’ll dash your mom-in-law with? They’re here. 3D-styled canvases you just want to walk into? Anytime. A dress sewn from anything but fabrics? Uh-huh. I cooperated with interior designers, set decorators and art consultants throughout the whole United States, I worked on Hollywood movie sets and I changed people’s lives with hospitality art. Couple such experience with that bottomless well of inspiration I am and you got yourself a solution to whatever artistic need you have.
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Behind the scenes? There’s no “behind the scenes” because my job is my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way, but you can definitely find me in back-alley vintage stores or clipping random images from wastepapers, pillaging thrift shops and taking photos (or hunting old-school ones). The creative process never stops.