A few month ago now, I  was at a dinner party with a bunch of close friends. We had a lot of fun and, as is the case with all good dinner parties these days, we ended up watching a few YouTube videos on the laptop around the table. {Insert eye-roll here!} It’s crazy what the technology is doing to our social interaction these days, right?! As much as this is probably not a very cool thing to do, I’m so glad we did it as I got to see this amazing video which I finally decided to share with you today. It’s done it’s rounds and I’ve even seen it on TeeVee since, but I don’t care – it’s so good that, even if you’ve seen it before, it’s definitely worth watching again.

The video is of Kseniya Simonova, a Ukrainian sand animator. She was the winner of ‘Ukraine’s Got Talent’ in 2009 {I know that could potentially sound dodgy to some of you, but please stay with me}. Kseniya uses a giant light box, dramatic music, imagination and ‘sand painting’ to interpret the invasion and occupation of her country from 1941-1945 in World War II.

This performance has received almost 15 million hits on YouTube. I suggest you set 8 minutes aside to watch it as I have a feeling that you won’t regret it. It is just so beautiful and powerful that it actually made me cry. True story.

x dana



About The Author

Founder & Editor

With a disarming blend of authority and approachability, Dana is a former refugee-turned-global design visionary. Through her multi-faceted work as a creative director, keynote speaker, editor, curator, interior designer and digital publisher, Dana empowers others to appreciate and engage with design in transformative ways, making the sometimes intimidating world of design accessible to everyone, regardless of their familiarity with the subject. Dana's been catapulted to the status of a stalwart global influencer, with recognition from industry heavyweights such as AD Germany, Vogue Living, Elle Décor Italia and Danish RUM Interiør Design, who have named as one of the Top True Global Influencers of the Design World and counted her among the most visionary female creatives on the planet. Her TEDx talk—"Design Can Change the Way You See the World"— will challenge and transform your understanding of design's omnipresent and profound influence. Through her vast experience in interiors, architecture and design, Dana challenges the prevailing rapid image culture, highlighting the importance of originality, sustainability, connecting with your values and learning to "see" design beyond the aesthetic.

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