In August 2023, I had the privilege of being invited to join the International Art Symposium "HUMAn" in Cucuteni, Romania, led by ceramic artist Ionela Sandrina Mihuleac. For 20 years, Ionela Sandrina has cultivated a creative space where artists from diverse disciplines and cultures come together to explore, collaborate, and connect deeply with themes rooted in nature and community. Our theme was "Mother Nature," an invitation to engage with the land, history, and spirit of Cucuteni.

In my project, I worked closely with Deirdre Doogue, a land healer, while assisting with the land-clearing process for Finbar McHugh’s standing stone circle project. Deirdre guided us in connecting with the land’s spirit and seeking permission to use its natural offerings. Observing the impact of preparing the land for installation stirred me to preserve the beauty and memory of the local flora—gathering flowers, grasses, and plants that might otherwise be discarded. I chose cyanotype as my medium, inspired by the warmth of the Romanian sun, to create prints that honor the cycle of life while preserving each plant’s unique form and essence.

This cyanotype process became a ritual of immersion in the elements—sun, water, earth, and air. Each print involved careful placement, exposure to sunlight, and a symbolic washing that brought the deep blue tones to life. Work shopping with other participants about this technique fostered further connections, allowing us to share in a thoughtful, collaborative experience.

My final piece ‘Letting Go’ incorporated these collected elements on an old, weathered door found on Ionela Sandrina’s land. The door’s texture echoed the history of the place, embodying the stories and lives connected to it. Using spray paint and layering techniques, I aimed to evoke a sense of movement, wildness, and the vibrant energy of our collective experience.

Sandrina’s garden, rich with the works created over years, became a fitting home for this piece—a lasting tribute to our connection with Mother Nature and to the community Sandrina has so beautifully nurtured.