invisible wonders

Iceland

Oct 1^st, 2013

Iceland is a magical island, sprinkling wonder upon everyone passing through.

It was formed in a volcanic eruption, leaving it as jagged, rocky, and barren.

To this day, there are few trees and little vegetation.  Not only is it an island and isolated from the rest of the world, but pockets of land fold over itself, keeping many areas unseen…

untouched.

Iceland is the most sparsely populated country in Europe.

If you pass quickly you will see a bleak and tired landscape with very very few people.

If you walk slowly and listen you will discover that Icelanders find mystery and reverence in the emptiness and spaciousness of its land.

And that is what we know.

~Iceland keeps its secrets well.

At times though, the land whispers to its people……

and its people listen well.

Half the Icelandic population believes that there is a culture of invisible Elf people (Huldufolk) that live in different parts of Iceland.

This is not mere folk-tale and myth.

There are maps of the areas where the invisible people are known to live and Icelandic people know not to disturb them. Building projects have been changed or stopped to avoid moving the rocks under which they usually live.

“Iceland is the only country in the world with a school dedicated to learning about these hidden people. Located in the thoroughly modern city of Reykjavik, Álfaskólinn—aka Elf School—has a full curriculum of study about the 13 types of elves in the country. Classes delve briefly into fairies, trolls, dwarves and gnomes, but the main focus is on elves—the most popular of Iceland's supernatural fauna.”

http://www.slate.com/blogs/atlas_obscura/2013/07/02/learn_about_iceland_s_hidden_folk_at_a_school_dedicated_to_the_study_of.html

!!!!

!!!!!

“supernatural fauna”!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tara, Jadd, Tim, Mollie and I are here collaborating with eachother, but also with this magical land and its people.

 What kind of art will we make?

How will we share ourselves and also remain open to the wonders and magic around us?

I’m not sure.

But the little that I have learned about Iceland has made me topple over with wonder and awe.

I will try to walk slowly with a gentle presence.

I will try to remain attuned to what is not so easily seen or understood.

I will listen deeply and ask questions.

Thank you Iceland for all that you have taught me so far,

Mariel