Yanna Demkiewicz is an editor, writer, and marketing director for Milkweed Editions, an independent literary press based in Minneapolis.
I was introduced to Yanna through another writer/editor friend years ago, when she was working on The Riveter, an incredibly badass independent magazine that celebrated longform journalism by women, which she cofounded. I was grateful to publish a few pieces in the magazine, one on traces of the Soviet Union that remain in Russia and one on a beloved permaculture farm in the desert of California. Though the magazine later ceased operations, thankfully Yanna and I continued to be friends.
A few years ago she asked me to take some film photos of her at the Lyndale Park Gardens, a true gem in Minneapolis. Flowers were still blooming, but fall was slowly making its way in, creating a variety of beautiful backdrops for our shoot. It was my first commissioned film shoot, and we had so much fun playing in the gardens.
Although I no longer live in the Twin Cities, Yanna and I are scheming up another shoot in the future, when things are in bloom again. She shared these kind words recently about me and my work:
“It has been way too long since I’ve been behind Rita’s lens and Asheville, I am jealous. She is intuitive, creative and thoughtful. She’s always made me feel comfortable and beautiful. Book her!!”
Here’s to next time, Yanna <3
