Out Of Office
Creative Ways of Living:
Sophie Strobele
At this point in my life, I’ve adopted a seasonal approach to how I live, rather than deciding exactly what every day or month should look like. I’ve learned to accept the ebb and flow, recognizing when I feel more introverted or tired, when I want to tap into creativity or focus on more resourcing and healing activities, rather than being overly social or collaborative.
I don’t judge these phases; I try to honor them. I listen to my body and mind to understand what feels right and where I can dive deepest. I don’t want to call it “efficiency,” but more about being fully immersed in what feels good at the time. I have to admit, though: I’m terrible at routines. I think it's different for everyone, and my career in fashion, with all the travel, has made it hard for me to stick to one. Every day is different, and I’ve learned to appreciate the freedom that brings.
Photographed by Théo de Gueltzl at Casa Lollo
“I’m stuck with this quote of Francesco Clemente, who says ‘Art is the irresistible wish to leave.’ And I come to understand why it’s so important for us to arrive somewhere. By running Casa Lollo, an artists’ residency dedicated to creative expression about environmental protection and mental health in the north of Italy, it enables me to connect with others through our shared vulnerability and honesty. That’s when sanity kicks in for me”
Sophie Strobele, art director and founder of Casa Lollo
host me when my goats go hungry, I’ll feed you when the sea is rough
a walk across S O C O T R A
On an island lost in the Indian Ocean lies a land where tree resins dictate the culture; a history of dragon blood that is told only in spoken word; in poems murmured from one generation to the next. It’s a place where modern agriculture finds no fertile ground, where any gripping hand of capitalism is blown away by a monsoon that makes the island almost uninhabitable for months of the year. I took a walk across the Yemeni island of Socotra. I was particularly struck by the relationship between the fisherman and shepherds: the guardians of the island. Fisherman, who can’t go onto the sea during monsoon season, and shepherds, whose flock is affected by the droughts and dry seasons, both clans acknowledges and accepts the others vulnerability.
Each has their expertise but will help the other when in need. Rather than a system of domination; exercising power over the weak and the environment, Socotris respect natures gifts and its rhythms. Beyond the lessons of the natural environment, I was also welcomed with a warmth that teaches lessons of love. One of my dearest discoveries was witnessing the common ‘nose kiss‘ that Socotris perform to greet each other. To me, it reflected the care, respect and partnership that prevails in Socotri society. Women of Socotra escape the eye of visitors to the island but are extremely present and elegant.
Their presence is manifested in the affectionate way men interact with each other. The tenderness and kindness between men, was for me the invisible presence of women. Eventhough their faces can not be portrayes, their spirit lingers in every mountain fissure, in every tree bark, in any men’s smile, in any children’s laughter. There are many accounts to tell, from this walk across SOCOTRA. I drew sketches, took notes, wrote dialogues and learnt a way of living, that is perceived „ancient“ to the outside world, yet extremely sustainable and possibly our solution for the future. Walking those landscapes allowed me to imagine landscapes I would like to continue walking on.
Sophie had the opportunity to travel to Afghanistan in 2020.
Her photographs were offered as part of a fundraiser for the organization “Afghanistan Libre”.
Mining in Baja California Sur
Rancheros. Photo by Theo de Gueltzl
The Sierra Laguna is a rough environment, which makes life here very challenging. To get by, inhabitants of this area keep cattle. The dry soil and limited water supply makes it impossible for them to grow anything. Their only source of water comes from the high points of the Sierra Laguna. Today the few water tables that exist there are in danger. Pollution caused by ongoing mining activities and an over use by numerous estate developments put the little water supply on risk. Besides the water scarcity, an increasing occurrence of hurricanes poses another serious threat to the inhabitants of the Sierra Laguna. Due to climate change, the 2015 Pacific hurricane season was identified as the second most active on record, with a historic high of 30 tropical depressions and 26 named storms. 16 of them reached hurricane strength, while a record of 11 turned into major hurricanes.
Roma
Roma. Photo by Theo de Gueltzl
Baia Mare, a mining town in the north of Rumania, first attracted public attention in2000 as the site of the worst environmental disaster in Europe since the Chernobyl nuclear accident. A huge chemical (cyanide) spill by a gold mining company polluted rivers and drinking water and caused widespread damage in Rumania, Hungary and Serbia, spreading through the Danube until the Black Sea.
The situation remains similarly disastrous for the Roma minority living in Baia Mare. Although the former mayor of the town Catlin Chereches provoked public outrage in 2011 with the construction of a wall around the Cuprom ghetto segregating the town’s Roma, followed by several attempts of forced eviction, the situation does not seem to have improved.
Mennonitas
Mennonites. Photo by Theo De Gueltzl
Text on the Mennonite Community
We enter a holy world. A world without immorality. Jealousy, hatred and violence are of no concern. Institutions like police and advocates are not part of the community. Golden light stretches over the fruitful land. A land of agriculture. Corn, beans and soy. These are the main produce and income of the Mennonites, a religious community in Central America, Belize.
Punta Lobos
Pescadores. Photo by Theo De Gueltzl
Story published in the WATERJOURNAL.CO.UK
Punta Lobos is named after the pods of seals that used to gather at the shore. It is also the beach where local fishermen used to launch their pangas into the waves and sell their fresh fish. Recently, the real-estate project of „Tres Santos“ turned Punta Lobos into a construction site, using the harmonious space for their ventures benefits.
An open heart on the opposite side
Cuba. Photo by Theo de Gueltzl
Interview for the ADVENTURE HANDBOOK
"Speaking of society, solitude is another interesting point. The time you spend on the road by yourself teaches you to deal with your own thoughts. All of a sudden you become way more conscious about your own decisions and choices. Important is to stick with them. To believe in this decision you took as the best decision for you and your happiness. And accept everything that comes with it".
I-M-A-G-I-N-A-T-I-O-N-S
On December 14th 2022, @sheriff.projects and @kitten_production joined forces to support and promote young and emerging artists with a special night at the @palaisdetokyo.