Alone, in the remote forest, I am gazing into the eye of the water spring. Air is filled with moist as if it would start to rain soon. I am embraced by the sweet odour of clean freshness. I am starin enchanted how the structures at the sandy bottom of the spring are constantly altering. Crystal clear water wells up from the unknown depths and brings up the sudden smell of sulphur.

It was early morning when I found the spring. Was it coincidence or faith that I had with me a roll of ribbon with similar colour to the sandy bottom of the spring? I started gently entwine the ribbon around the branches of spruce. The familiar fragrance of pitch and evergreen needles made me feel like home.

The shape of the ribbon reminds me of a gigantic, rare forest flower, which shines in the darkness. Its peculiar odour spreads into faraway places; invites forest animals to drink from the spring during the dry seasons. The shape of the installation was not planned before. I created it by following the conditions, the terms of nature and it was modified by my unconscious mind.

I am waiting for hours for the perfect moment to shoot the image; the beam of the sun to touch the centre of my installation. The odour of pure water is mixed with dark, deep, earthy smells. On the forest floor the dead plants are decaying, turning into soil. The rich smell of mud, moss, and mouldering leave under my boots, trigger my memory. Suddenly I am in another time and space.

I am a child. I pick up yellow and red autumn leaves of aspen. I stand on the small river and set the leaves free for adventure. The smell of autumn surrounds me. I am one with nature.

Riitta Päiväläinen