We recently had the pleasure of talking with the wonderful Ana Obst (known on Instagram as @kuyca), whose world is one where images speak louder than words. Photography is her language, a way to capture emotions and moments that words alone can’t express. As Ana says: "Photography is my language. It’s how I translate emotions and moments that words can’t quite capture." She finds inspiration in nature through every season and in the quiet, fleeting moments: "When the sky turns grey and the world feels quieter, I get this sudden burst of energy and creativity." Her backdrop is the stunning Irish landscape, from mountains to coasts. The places that call to her are the ones she returns to again and again, always shifting, always inspiring. In many ways, Ana shares values with Viva’s. Like her, we find joy in things that inspire us and appreciate how they evolve over time (just as our leather bags develop a rich, beautiful patina with use). Ana, like us, treasures slow mornings, and her thoughts on sustainability resonate deeply: "Sustainability is about living and creating with care." We hope you enjoy this inspiring conversation, celebrating creativity, timelessness, and thoughtful living.

The bag on Ana's photos is our bestseller Franka Travel Tote Bag in Dark Caramel. Available here.

1. What is the source of your inspiration?

Moody weather inspires me the most. When the sky turns grey and the world feels quieter, I get this sudden burst of energy and creativity. It’s like the calm outside helps me tune into my own thoughts and imagination.

2. What does nature mean to you in your everyday life, and how do you express it through your photography?

Nature is my foundation — my home, my source of balance. Living in the city makes me appreciate it even more, so whenever I can, I escape to the mountains or the coast to recharge. In my photography, I try to express the freedom, strength, and calm that nature gives — the textures of rock, the movement of waves, the quiet power of the landscape. It’s my way of going back to the roots, even if just through the lens.

3. What does photography and creating art mean to you?

Photography is my language. It’s how I translate emotions and moments that words can’t quite capture. I think a person’s style in photography says a lot about who they are — mine is often melancholic, cinematic, and dreamlike, because that’s how I experience the world around me.

4. Your photos captivate with unique locations, vibrant landscapes, and carefully chosen settings. How do you select your locations? Do you stumble upon them randomly in life, or do you purposefully visit and explore them before photographing?

I love to wander and discover new places — there’s something magical about stumbling upon a location that instantly feels right. When I find a spot that speaks to me, I always return to it. The light, the seasons, even my own mood — they change constantly, and with them, the place transforms too. It never looks or feels the same twice, and that’s what keeps it inspiring.

5. What is your favorite photographic setting or backdrop?

Fog and mist are my favorite settings. There’s something mysterious and almost otherworldly about them — they soften everything, hide details, and leave just enough to the imagination. It’s a beauty I can’t fully explain, but it always draws me in and makes even the simplest scene feel magical.

6. How do you usually start your day?

I love slow mornings. That’s not always possible when I’m working, but on my days off, I treasure the quiet moments — sharing a cup of coffee with my partner, letting the day unfold gently. There’s something sacred about that ritual. It reminds me of my grandparents, their soft conversations by the fireplace. Those small, simple moments feel timeless, and they often inspire the calm energy I try to bring into my photography.

 7. Is there something you simply can’t live without?

I’m not really attached to material things — I can easily adapt and live without certain comforts. But I do feel a bit lost without my camera. It’s almost an extension of how I see the world. Sometimes I even dream that I’m standing in a breathtaking mountain landscape, surrounded by snow and perfect light, and realize I don’t have my camera with me. That feeling — wanting to capture something beautiful but not being able to — truly feels like a nightmare.

 8. What’s always in your bag?

My bag is always a mix of essentials and little comforts — my camera, of course, earphones for the soundtrack of the day, tissues, a reusable bag, painkillers, lip balm, keys, and my phone. Simple things, but together they feel like a small version of home that I can carry anywhere.

 9. Do you prefer traveling or staying at home?

Both, really. I love to travel — to explore new places and revisit old ones that hold memories. Discovering new landscapes always fuels my creativity. But at the same time, I’m a bit of a couch potato. I enjoy quiet days at home, recharging, editing photos, or simply doing nothing. I guess I need that balance between movement and stillness.

10. Is nature a part of your daily routine?

Yes, absolutely. Living in the city can be challenging, especially since I grew up in the countryside. I try to bring little pieces of nature into my daily life — a walk through the park after work, caring for my apartment plants, or simply opening the window to let in some fresh air. Even small moments like these help me feel grounded and connected to the world outside the city.

11. What does sustainability mean to you?

For me, sustainability is about living and creating with care. It’s rooted in empathy — in respecting the work, time, and effort of others, and in being mindful of what and how we consume. I feel that kind of connection was stronger in the past, when people traded goods directly and valued the human side of making things. Now, with fast fashion, big corporations, and the constant rush of social media, everything often feels detached and disposable.

12. How do you incorporate sustainable choices into your daily life?

I try to live slowly and intentionally — being mindful of how I spend my time and what I consume. For me, that means buying less but choosing better, supporting ethical and local brands, and surrounding myself with things that have meaning. It’s about living with awareness and creating a life that feels balanced and kind, both to myself and the world around me. In the end, it’s not just about sustainability — it’s about respect, presence, and choosing to move through the world with care.