English, Spanish, Catalan and Romanian polyglot. I dream in Spanish and English. Romania defines my childhood, Spain, my formative years. I have lived in the UK ever since -still here-, and also in Mexico, Turkey, and the US.
I studied Philosophy, and my own philosophy is mostly concerned with practicing what I preach. This means engaging with the Other from an ethos of care, understanding, and compassion, whilst towards myself, I am always in the process of developing my mind and body. Change starts inside and I want to be my first example of what I want to see in the world. I am still far away from my ideal self, as it should be, and I fail miserably at it sometimes more than others, but Ithaca is the journey.
I have been writing since I was twelve. First, diaries, then blogs, at sixteen – seventeen. I am interested in belonging, finding home and meaning. I am fascinated by people and our limits or lack of. My first book, Ad Kalendas Graecas (CĂrculo Rojo, 2024), brought some of that writing into the world. I am currently developing my long-form writing practice, supported by Arts Council England National Lottery’s Research and Development grant, and pursuing a PhD in Cybersecurity.
Finally, music is, with literature and good conversations, one of the things in life which keep me alive. I always treated it -music- from the passive side, by listening to it. I am trying, for years now, to be on the other side. I am very scared of it and never feel ready for it. But to the question: what would you do if you only had 6 months left of life?, what comes to mind first and always is: singing. I will keep you posted.
G. Maria Bencich-Grigore 