What were your intentions for the residency and how did it go?

Upon reserving my place for the art residency, my intentions were set on documenting my creative journey and the process of redefining myself not merely as a photographer but as an artist. The truth is, none of that unfolded as planned. Sometimes, all we truly need is a breath of fresh air, vast open spaces, and a step back. It wasn't until my return, penning down these lines, that my reflections bore fruit. Given that it was my inaugural venture into Nova Scotia, my eagerness to explore the landscape took precedence. I've come to realize that it is in the act of discovery that I subtly nurture my ideas, even if the tangible results aren't immediately apparent. There have, of course, been encounters with local fishermen and producers, culminating in a dinner among friends to pay homage to the land.

Tell us about the project you are currently working on.

I am currently immersed in the creation of a book, the primary theme of which revolves around my discovery and love for the St. Lawrence River. Having lived facing its majestic waters for three years in a quaint beach house. I've experienced its allure in every season and condition, particularly during the pandemic.

Having intimately grasped the river's transformative power, I find myself in an unwavering pursuit of elevating our human experience. Thus, I've purposefully centered the book on the profound importance of carefully selecting and cherishing products derived from the St. Lawrence, envisioning them not just as culinary elements but as conduits of the river's soul, enriching our tables and kitchens with a tangible connection to the life force that flows through its waters.

I believe that, much like flowers, food possesses the ability to reconnect people with nature and themselves, fostering curiosity and a desire for connection with both the natural world and those around them. To convey this message, I've embarked on a journey, meeting with fishermen, foragers, and chefs across Quebec, capturing their stories and deep connection to the river through their signature recipes.

Through the lens of these recipes, I am shining a light on the often-overlooked creativity and resilience of these individuals in our society.

Where was your mindset at the end of your stay at the cabin?

Undoubtedly, immersing oneself in the heart of the wild is always a wise choice. I believe the sea and the wind possess the ability to cleanse our thoughts and let a few of them soar away. In the midst of our modern, urban lives, it becomes essential to seek out places of disarming simplicity, to embrace a new rhythm. In the dance of contrasts, we discover the profound chance to reshape our essence and, occasionally, to momentarily lose ourselves, shedding the cloak of ego in the captivating embrace of nature.