Marzie Malek, Painter in Budapest

  • 18 Sep 2024 1:58 PM
Marzie Malek, Painter in Budapest
She is 44 years old and has a 14-year-old son named Sam. She earned her bachelor's degree in Graphics and has worked for 25 years as a teacher at a conservatory (art school). However, her true passion lies in painting rather than graphics.

She considers herself more of a painter, working with various techniques, especially watercolour, and focusing on themes of nature and daily life. Currently, she is pursuing a master's degree in Art and Design Management at Budapest Metropolitan University.

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?

I arrived on September 7th.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?

I’ve traveled to several countries before, but only for short stays, about 2 to 4 weeks each.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?

I’m really amazed by the Danube and the historical sites around it. I can’t get enough of watching the river. Also, the kindness and supportive nature of the people have made me feel confident about being here.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend—what must they absolutely see and do?

There’s so much to do in Budapest, but I’d recommend starting with the Danube and the historical sites. Visiting museums like the Museum of Fine Arts is a must, not just for the artworks but for the architecture as well. There are also several festivals throughout the year, like the Wine Festival, which are fun and worth experiencing.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?

I’ve only been here for about two weeks, and so far I’ve tried kürtös kalács, which I loved. I’m excited to try lángos because I love bread, and also Pörkölt and Paprikás, as they remind me of dishes from my own country. I’m curious to compare them.

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?

Bread.

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?

I only know one so far: köszönöm.

8. What do you miss most from home?

I miss my son and my mom the most, and I also miss my students, as I’m a teacher in my country.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?

I’d love to pursue tattooing, and I’m already learning it.

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?

I’d never want to be a banker.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?

I spent it in my home country with my family, visiting a beautiful mountain village.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?

At Lake Balaton during the hot spring season here.

13. Apart from temptation, what can't you resist?

Buying clothes.

14. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?

Pink Floyd was my favorite band, and I loved making handicrafts, especially dolls.

15. Red wine or white?

Red.

16. Book or movie?

Movies.

17. Morning person or night person?

Night.

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?

I’m very concerned about social apathy, both towards other people and the environment.

19. Buda or Pest side?

Buda.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?

A poem by the great Iranian poet Saadi Shirazi:
“All human beings are in truth akin;
All in creation share one origin.
When fate allots a member pangs and pains,
No ease for other members then remains.
If, unperturbed, another's grief canst scan,
Thou are not worthy of the name of man.”

  • How does this interview make you feel?