V. Juraitis (b. 1955) is known for the public as the author of famous photography cycles "Magnitka", "Disappearing village Skaruliai", "Chronicle of Sąjūdis", etc. As well the photographer is known as the publisher of specialized photography magazine "Vyzdys". Mostly in photography the author is interested in special communities which live isolated life due to the geographical or economical circumstances.

Gurbšilis is a settlement surrounded by the forest with the same name in Vilkaviškis region. As photographer says, "it seems that the place does not distinguish at all, nevertheless it has something special. Here one can meet own devotees, seducers, truants and burglars".

Every time the photographer starts the conversation with locals he is more and more convinced that the fertility of the soil influences the character of people. In sandy places only tare grow, people are communicative but they drink alcohol.  The richer soil makes people wealthier, they have higher hopes.
The photographer is interested in the village because it lives the manner of life that resembles the time before industrial revolution; the life here is still full of ethnographical identity. Heroes of V. Juraitis photographs are these who haven't emigrated yet or are not suitable for emigration any more. These are locals Juozas, Salomėja, Gintas, Emilija and others who are desolated but are free in their souls. Despite hard economical situation these people still have dignity. They are happy to live in their own houses, to breathe clean air and walk on never painted floors in their houses.

   

The portrait series of people from Gurbšilis represent the way back to Lithuanian in the past.