STREAKS #2

#2

Rory Van Ulft

julia kikava Isabelle Kyson

© ArtHouse Design Studios 2022 Editor: Omar Vella | Design: Robert Caruana No part of this publication may be reproduced, or transmitted in any form without the prior consent of ArtHouse Design Studios. While we make every effort to make sure that the content of STREAKS is correct, we cannot take any responsibility nor be held accountable for any factual errors printed.

rope rope SISTERS SISTERS

Interview with

julia kikava

Photo: Maria Gert

Julia is a student, a gymnast and a model.

How does she manage to juggle all?

I often wonder how we manage. Sometimes she does her homework on the train and rushes to gymnastics training.

Besides this she also has her modelling commitments.

Notwithstanding her days are packed with different activities, she somehow manages to fit everything in.

Marilyn Monroe once said, “All little girls should be told they are pretty, even if they aren’t.” Do you agree?

I fully agree. It is a wonderful quote which explains the need to appreciate every young girl regardless of her physical appearance.

Every girl deserves to know that she is loved and that she is beautiful just the way she is. A positive approach will help her grow confident and believe in herself.

What does she do during her free time?

Julia loves drawing, playing with dolls, and going for walks with friends.

Tell us about her first assignment as a model for Monalisa?

It was our first job for the brand. Julia was 5 years old and had just started working for a modelling agency. She was immediately chosen to shoot a lookbook for Monalisa. She was the only Russian girl. It was an unforgettable experience.

What does she want to be when she grows up?

Julia is still too young to decide on her career route, yet she aspires to be a doctor, a trainer, a model, and an artist.

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Photo: Maria Gert

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Photo: Yana Chuvalova

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This guy is simply sensational. Jiemba Sands also known as the Fence Guy, is an Australian free runner, acrobat, stunt actor, and street performer who is best recognized for his acrobatic performances.

Jiemba would have remained unknown had it not been for one clip that made him a viral star overnight. Today, he shares short clips of his stunts and skills through Instagram where he has over 950,000 followers and on TikTok with more than 1.48 million followers. Jiemba shared with us his rise to fame.

Interview with Jiemba Sands

Do you consider yourself a circus artist, trickster, or stunt man?

I can never really decide what to call myself because I do a mixture of things, but I usually just say stuntman or trickster, otherwise I have to list everything individually - Stuntman, trickster, circus artist, freerunner, gymnast, martial artist, filmmaker, and so on. The list seems to grow every year haha! The fact that I enjoy so many different things has been one of my biggest problems actually. I’ve never really focused on one skill or sport and mastered it. Instead I feel like I’m half good at everything, which is cool in a way! But I always wonder what I could have achieve if I just focused on one profession instead of several different ones.

You were not very popular on social media until the year 2018 when your video ‘How to get over a fence with style’ became viral. What happened after?

After my first video went viral it actually took me a few weeks to process it and to realise it was actually real life and I wasn’t dreaming or something. My phone was going crazy with messages and I was gaining massive amounts of followers every time I refreshed the page. I got a lot of interviews and job offers all at once which was awesome but all of it together was a bit overwhelming for sure and was a lot to get used too! Some of the jobs included being able to do stunt work in films and tv commercials and a lot of other promotions on my own social media channels. It’s funny because for a long time I had been hoping to get to the point where I could make an income from doing the things that I enjoyed, but I actually got to the age where I thought I better get a proper job because I wasn’t making any money and I needed it to survive. So I guess you could say I partially gave up on my dream and I ended up getting a regular job as a landscaper, while I did my videos for fun in my free time. And funnily enough I had only been working for two weeks, when my first video went viral and I had to tell the boss that I was quitting to focus on my social media stunt work.

You come from a tight-knit family of ten that has been performing together in Tasmania since you were born. In what way has your family contributed to your success?

My parents brought me up doing all kinds of circus skills which obviously helped with the physical abilities I now have, but maybe more importantly, they have always been supportive of anything I wanted to do, which helped me a lot by not having the pressure to just get a regular job or anything. I think that gave me the right mindset which helped me to keep going, even when others would say I would never make it.

What does fear mean to you?

I think that fear is mostly a good thing. It protects you from making bad decisions like triple front flipping off a building onto concrete, before you’ve done the many hours of training and repetitions, building up to doing it as comfortably and as safely as possible. Fear can get in the way sometimes which can be annoying when it makes you more cautious than you really need to be to stay safe, and when it prevents you from doing things you would otherwise be able to do easily. But that usually goes away with lots of practice or building up to it by doing easier tricks first that can help improve your spacial awareness.

They say, ‘the limit is the sky’. So what’s next on your agenda?

Finishing my movie is definitely the main goal for now. Who knows what the next project might be, but I would definitely love to do some more stunt work in films and I’m also hoping to do a lot of traveling around the world whilst also creating content on social media.

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Interview with

Isabelle Kyson

Why do you love athletics?

I really love the competition and pushing myself to reach new goals! I also love the community spirit in athletics with my friends, coaches and competitors.

How does it feel to be a Nike Brand Ambassador?

I’ve really enjoyed the work I have done as a Nike ambassador as it has allowed me to work on some amazing projects that have helped inspire children to be active and get involved in sports. It’s also, given me the opportunity to meet and speak to some great athletes and coaches that has helped me on my sporting journey.

How has social media helped you inspire others?

Similar, to my role with Nike, it has helped to give me a platform to reach out to other aspiring athletes to help encourage them on their sporting journeys.

Not only does social media help me reach out, but it also helps me be get inspired by other athletes as well! Through Instagram, I have also made so many good friends that are involved in athletics from all around the world in places such as Sweden, Holland and America and what’s so great about this is that we all support each other along the way.

Photo: Ben Turner

Tell us about your experience in Kenya last year. How did it inspire and provide advice to young aspiring runners?

This was an incredible experience for me, I travelled to Kenya to meet and interview the legendary coach Patrick Sang, who coaches Olympic Champions and World Record Holders such as Eliud Kipchoge, Faith Kipyegon and Letesenbet Gidey.

Patrick’s training camp was surprisingly basic, and the athletes all get involved in looking after the camp such as cleaning, cooking, and growing their own vegetables, even though there were so many superstar athletes everyone seemed incredibly humble and supportive of each other. It made me realise that’s its so easy to get distracted with the image and lifestyles of sports stars on TV and social media, but none of that is important, I learnt that to enjoy your sport and the people you do it with much more important, especially for us younger athletes.

Patrick’s advice for me, ‘’Know yourself, believe in yourself, set realistic goals. Don’t listen to too many voices, surround yourself with people you trust’’

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Photo: Anthony Yates

Why should we practice sports?

Sporting activity helps to keep you healthy, not just in your body but also your mind; doing sports releases endorphins, which is a chemical that is naturally produced in your body which causes happiness. By focusing on a physical activity, it can help to clear mental stress and for me this really helpful in my academic studies, especially homework!

What’s next on your agenda?

I am working towards being successful in this year’s indoor season and hopefully competing in the Nationals having missed out in the Summer through injury. I am also currently working on a project with a UK national newspaper about some of the issues around high numbers of teenage girls dropping out of sports.

This is something that I am passionate about and a topic that I am able to share my personal experiences to hopefully help other girls stay on their sporting journeys.

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Interview with

Diane Portelli

What is your training and background in dance?

I started training Ballet at the age of three at Tanya Bayona school of ballet and later at The Dance Workshop where I now teach. After years of classical training I also started training modern, contemporary and flamenco. At the age of 20 I furthered my dance studies at the Accademia di Pavia. I also have a diploma in dance education and still train ballet every day.

How long have you been an instructor and what styles of dance do you teach?

I have been teaching for over 15 years and teach students mainly modern theater but I also give ballet company classes at Moveo Dance Company and other dance companies as a guest teacher.

How do you inspire and motivate your students?

It’s all about finding a balance between hard work and fun. Dance is a strict discipline but I find,when approached in a positive way, I get the best out of the students. I also try and keep abreast with modern music and international dance trends to make sure I’m teaching in the most progressive way possible. The fact that I am still a full time dancer in a professional company gives those students wishing to pursue dance as a career something to aspire too. Moveo now also launched a Junior company for those who would like to get a taste of what being a professional dancer would entail.

How do you handle being a director, dancer, and choreographer within the same Dance company?

It’s a constant time balancing act. Moveo’s AD Dorian Mallia and I are constantly working on schedules and shifting them around according to what is needed. I have a policy never to dance in performances I choreograph as I feel I don’t cope with both roles at the same time. I am lucky that Dorian and I work very well together so we share roles as needed depending on the project we would be working on.

What are the benefits of gaining experience abroad?

Studying, living or performing abroad broadens your horizons. You experience different cultures and lifestyles and learn from them. I feel it was as beneficial for me to attend foreign performances as it was performing in different countries. I learnt different ways of how dance and choreography can be approached and presented and I then use all this knowledge in my work here. Experiences abroad help you grow as a person.

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Photo: Kris Micallef

Photo: Andrew Rizzo

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Interview with

Ike What first got you into music?

I always loved music and when Owen Leuellen joined X factor he inspired me to start singing.

Which famous musicians do you admire?

Owen Leuellen and Eminem

What sparked the idea for ‘My Home’?

We wanted a song that represented both Kaya and myself and that was how we got the idea of ‘My home’.

Have you ever competed in other festivals apart from Malta’s Got Talent?

I participated in a local Maltese festival and also in a festival abroad.

What are your future goals?

I would love to write my own music.

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Kaya What first got you into music?

I always loved listening to music and at the age of 5 I started attending music lessons.

Which famous musicians do you admire?

My favourite local artists are Gaia Cauchi and Ira Losco. With regards to foreign artists, I like Madison Beer and Olivia Rodiages best.

What sparked the idea for ‘My Home’?

We wanted a song that represented both of us, and ‘My home’ was the perfect song.

Have you ever competed in other festivals apart from Malta’s Got Talent?

Yes, I competed in Sanremo Junior Malta as well as Sanremo Junior in Italy and placed first in both events. I also participated in many festivals here in Malta.

What are your future goals?

My future goal is to become a famous singer just like Madison Beer.

Photo: Jonathan Brincat Photography

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e r d An ALLEF

Interview

with

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hnolo

s of tec a e r a t a h W

What or who initially sparked your interest in the field of technology?

uter ent, comp ftware m p lo e v e d ware and so in AI, hardllers, cyber security d te s e r te ntro I am in ts, microco and on). componenent (the list goes on developm

There were various things which sparked my interest, as a child I always liked to tinker and take things apart to see how they work. I used to follow various YouTubers who would make fun/hilarious projects, the most famous being Mark Rober. Before COVID-19 I used to go to events at Mcast and University where students would show their project, then during the lockdown with more time on my hands I was able to do my own research and come up with my own projects. I was also inspired by local YouTubers, namely Carl Bugeja, who is an outstanding engineer whom I have now befriended.

What are your views about Artificial Intelligence?

Personally, I think that artificial intelligence will solve a lot of problems, it can aid with cancer research and humanitarian issues, but it may also create problems like ethical issues. Like does AI deserve rights? However, they are not at that stage yet!

Are there any projects you are currently working on?

I am currently in the process of building a PC for CAD AI and learning software development, but the market is a big mess right now due to the semiconductor shortage and excessive demand due to COVID-19. I am also trying to further my knowledge by performing tests on Flexar, a flat coil (more interesting than it sounds) developed by Carl Bugeja which has various applications like haptic feedback and ferro fluid displays. I plan to drive it using an Arduino. One other project which I am currently also working on is, getting windows 11 to work on a Raspberry Pi.

Gray Scott once noted, “There is no reason and no way that a human mind can keep up with an artificial intelligence machine by 2035.” To what extent do you agree?

Yes, I very much agree, as to a computer a second is like a few hours in terms of mathematical calculations and maths is the basis of everything, so any type of data can be analysed faster therefore, as technology advances, humans will be left in the dust in terms of processing power.

Of course, it is up to humans to use technology to their advantage.

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How is robotics helping the young generation better understand technology?

Currently courses available for youngsters my age help establish a basis in robotics and technology like block coding and modular platforms (like Lego robotics), which is great for youngsters who want to obtain a basic understanding of how robotics can be applied.

However, personally I feel youngsters like myself who want to further their understanding are very much restricted due to age, as many courses I wish to attend, require the person to be over 16 and I believe this is keeping interested teens back. In my opinion such courses should be determined by current skills and not by age. On a more positive note, there are many courses and ways to delve into the topic online. There are also great opportunities to experience things first hand. I have recently been to the Maker Faire in Rome, unfortunately the First Maker Faire in Malta had to be cancelled due to COVID-19 but I am hoping the first edition will be held soon as there is no better way for youngsters to experience technology first-hand.

What cybersecurity threats do kids face in today’s world?

Sadly, kids face many threats due to the vulnerable innocent nature of young kids, including catfishes (people who hide behind a false identity) and many other harmful people who kids have pure trust in – they may unknowingly download malware.

Do you have any plans of programming a game or writing any other software in the near future?

Yes, I do plan on writing more software, however games are quite complicated unless you are using MITs scratch. So I believe I will probably program simpler things, even though I find it hard to learn since most courses are age restricted. But I do plan on making lower/ hardware level code.

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y r o R t f l U Van

Interview with

who and what or g n ti if tl h ig we did you start At what age sport? e gymnastics to start this s old to get stronger for a competitiv u o y d e ir sp in n I was 5 year fting whe the team!

I started weightli because I made d, ke or w it s es team tryout. I gu

Who are some of your major influences, people you look up to and people you are grateful to?

My Coach, Spencer Moorman, former US National Champion and Team USA member, is the person I most look up to in weightlifting. He started weightlifting when he was 8, so he understands what it’s like for me to train and compete as a youth weightlifter.

I’m grateful to all the event coaches on my team, Team Divergent, who make my national competitions great experiences. I’m also grateful to my friends and family who support me at my events. They lift me up when things get tough and motivate me to keep trying my best. And I really appreciate everyone who follows me on social media, cheering me on, encouraging me and inspiring me with their own stories.

My major style influence in weightlifting is former Team USA member Kristin Pope. She was the first woman I ever saw holding a barbell (in a YouTube video when I was learning how to lift). She has a lot of tattoos, and I thought they looked cool, so now I wear temporary tattoos whenever I compete.

Describe some obstacles you face, or maybe things which at times frustrate you.

Weightlifting competitions can be fun and exciting, but the training can be dull.

The exercises are always the same. The numbers only change a little bit each day. It can be hard to stay motivated. At times I feel rather lonely. There aren’t a lot of other kids who lift weights in Canada so I am part of a team based in San Francisco. I don’t get to see my teammates much, because we live so far away.

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What is your greatest achievement so far?

My greatest achievement in weightlifting so far would have to be becoming the youngest ever USA Weightlifting National Youth Champion in 2020, when I was 7. It was extra hard because we had been under lockdown for months leading up to the competition. My gym had closed. I was training from my basement with my coach online. I didn’t go in thinking I was going to win. I was trailing going into the final event, the clean an d jerk.

But that’s my specialty. I ended up coming from behind and winning by just 1 kg!

What are your plans and goals for your life with regards to weightlifting? How do you see your future in the sport?

My coach always tells me to take everything one day at a time, one lift at a time, so that’s what I try to do. I don’t think too far into the future. I just try to do what I can to get better each day. But recently I did watch one of my teammates, Kuinini Manumua, compete at the Tokyo Olympics. That has inspired me to try to follow in her footsteps one day.

I am aware that you are also a gymnast. How do you manage to focus on both sport disciplines? What does your typical training week consist of?

Photo: F10 Sports Photography

There is actually a lot of overlap between the two sports! I’m lucky that my gymnastics team lets me skip 3 hours of conditioning each week because I do weightlifting instead. So I spend 9 hours each week with my gymnastics team and 3 hours each week with my weightlifting coach. I also spend 2 to 6 hours more each week training alone, depending on the season.

In spring and fall, I am training for weightlifting competitions, in winter I focus more on gymnastics, and in summer I spend less time on both sports and more time playing outside, swimming or going to the beach.

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Lulu Noda My name is

I live in Arizona. I’m 9 years old and I’m Japanese.

I love tennis and I train every day with my dad.

Why did you start playing tennis and was there anyone who inspired you to start the sport?

I started tennis because when I was 5 years old, I had found my sister’s old racket in the closet and started hitting a tennis ball with it in the living room. From there on I hit with my dad every day for an hour.

How would you describe yourself as a tennis player?

I think I’m fast and aggressive.

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Last year Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic created their own fantasy players. Who would you pick to create your own fantasy player?

Naomi Osaka for serve, Carlos Alcaraz for forehand, Raducanu for backhand, Coco Gauff for volleys, Djokovic for footwork

What is the ‘dream achievement’ for yourself in tennis?

To win the Roland Garros and become a Gold Medalist in the Olympics.

There are many great women tennis players right now, is there a specific player that you watch and learn from, if so, who and why?

I watch Leyla Fernandez a lot because she has great footwork and she trains with her dad just like me!

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Interview with

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Have you ever considered playing with a foreign

team to gain experience?

I have thought about it, and I would love to have the opportunity to play with a foreign team, although not any time in the near future, but if I were to get the opportunity a bit further on in life, I would definitely consider it.

Are there a

ny short-term

goals you’d like to acco mplish in th I intend to e next few keep work months to a ing hard to player. I w co u p le of years? improve a ill definite nd ly do my u win the le ague and tmost to h become a better I also hop e e to be giv lp my team, Luxol, en the op represent port Malta aga in in the n unity to ear future .

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S p S p o R o R rr TTEE S S I I e e SS rroopp Why is jump rope such a unique and creative sport?

Jump Rope can be done anywhere and it’s not an expensive sport to get into.

There are so many different aspects to Jump Rope that you can do, like Single rope, double dutch, Individual, pairs jumping, group jumping and so much more. It allows you to be creative with all the skill categories for example… footwork, wraps, multiples, power and so on. Put all this to music and you can really express yourself with your rope and have so much fun. We are loving the footwork and dance element at the moment as this is something different to what we always trained for in competiton.

How do you find the right balance between sports and your personal life?

Well now we are both mums so life is a little more hectic than before. We either workout in the morning or evening when the kids are in bed. We go for long walks where we can. We train with our team mates once a week in a sports hall for 1.5hours where we start to work on new routines and the other times we make them up at home ready for when we are able to come together and film lots on a weekend.

How would you define success?

To us success is to accomplish something you have worked towards.

Setting goals and striving to achieve them. But most importantly knowing you did your best.

S S R R E E T T S S I I SS

Tell us about your Guinness World record?

We have a few between us.

Our first one is for how many jumps you can do in 1minute doing speed skipping. I (Bex) went on TV “Guinness World Records Smashed” back in 2010 and as part of the girls vs. boys part of the show, I went up against a boxer. I got 332 jumps in 1 minute, claiming the record. Then in 2011 I was asked to go on “Blue Peter” and try and beat my record. However, I had broken my leg not long before and was out of action, therefore Rach took on the challenge. We were both there and I was on the side cheering her on TV doing the record. Results came in and we couldn’t believe it Rach also did 332, making us joint World Record holders.

Rach also has a 30 second Double Unders record which she achieved whilst she was presenting on nickelodeon TV programme “Get your skills on”. She also performed to an audience and achieved the record.

We have 2 other joint team records again which we filmed on TV programs.

What’s next on your agenda?

We don’t have anything big planned other than to continue spreading the love of Jump Rope, be parents, enjoy life and see where that takes us.

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Interview with

Mishal Obrui

A MINECRAFT

GURU

What is your involvement with the game?

I prefer a few parts of this game over others.

Building, art, and architecture are what I like the most.

What attracts you to minecraft?

The creativity that we get and the freedom to build whatever we desire.

What motivates you to play minecraft?

I’ve been getting motivated by other talented Minecraft builders, they always inspire me with their art and their architectural builds.

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What has caused the recent burst of enthusiasm for minecraft?

Every year Mojang releases new and interesting updates, which is the reason why the fan base has been growing..

Describe what your greatest creation was and why you think so?

I haven’t been building for a long time and there is still a lot to learn. I like how every time I improve my skill with new builds and themes. therefore i still haven’t built something to truly be proud of.

Many schools are using minecraft to teach collaboration. What are your thoughts about this idea?

I like the idea, because minecraft isn’t like any other game, we should look at it as a tool for getting creative, because once we get that feeling of creativity, we would want to start creating new stuff, and learning new skills.

How do you help educate people about minecraft through your YouTube channel?

My YouTube channel is filled with build tutorials, cinematic and time-lapse videos, and in the future I intend to include building tips, and other useful tutorials.

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THE CATHEDRAL OPTICAL G’Manġia 21226020 - B’Kara 21490213 - Żebbuġ 21465768 - Fgura 21673332 Naxxar 21 431 152 - B’Buġia 21421 976 - Rabat 21450845 - Luqa 21895248 Qormi 21488950 - Attard 21418315 - San Ġwann 21383947

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