On Thursday, 23 April, a meeting with Elżbieta Śnieżkowska-Bielak, a poet, prose writer and author of a series of poetic adaptations of well-known fairy tales, was held at Galeria Format. The artist read her works to the children and encouraged them to act out scenes from fairy tales. The youngest participants had the opportunity to play, among others, the role of Little Red Riding Hood.
The author’s adventure with literature began in childhood. “I always read a great deal. At some point, something became active inside me and never left me afterwards,” says Elżbieta Śnieżkowska-Bielak. “I have essentially always written, both in good and bad times in my life. Writing allows you to enter another world. Every passion works this way.”
The writer from Gryfów creates both poetry and prose. “I definitely consider myself a poet. My readers tell me that this is where I am at my best,” she points out. Her work includes six volumes of poetry: “Świątki ciszy,” “Aluzje do serca,” “Pomiędzy,” “Moja mała adoracja,” “Miniatury karkonoskie” and “Odblaski.” She collaborates with Christian publishing houses and writes short stories. She has also published two novels, one of them devoted to martial law. Her next book is to be published after the summer holidays.
Why does she write texts for children? “In the 1980s, this type of literature was hard to find, so I began writing books with my own children in mind,” the writer says with a smile. “In my work, I try to show a great deal of goodness, nobility and beauty. I believe that ideals should be instilled in children.”
There is no violence in the texts addressed to the youngest readers. “My work is cheerful, warm and heartfelt. Children can read my books before going to sleep and will certainly not wake up frightened at night. That is my approach,” the artist says. “Besides, a story or little poem they hear can plant a seed of goodness in children,” she adds.
(information: ii)