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Rachele Daminelli is a photographer whose work explores the profound connection between humans and nature. Born in a small mountain village, she spent several years in Milan working as a lighting technician and studio assistant, a period during which I realized that city life was not aligned with my values. She continues to draw inspiration from the pristine landscapes of my childhood, a place that still nurtures her artistic sensibility every time she returns.
In what ways does nature inspire or inform your work?
Nature has been an integral part of my life since childhood. I grew up surrounded by it, observing its rhythms, its intelligence, and its constant ability to adapt and regenerate. Because of this, I have never been able to see nature as something separate from myself or from human life. It is not simply a subject I choose to photograph; it is the environment that shaped my way of seeing and understanding the world.
Through my work, I hope to invite people to slow down and look more closely at the beauty, intelligence, resilience and fragility of the natural world. I believe that genuine protection begins with recognition: we are more likely to care for what we truly see and value. If my images can inspire even a small shift in perception, helping someone feel more connected to nature and therefore more willing to protect it, then they have fulfilled their purpose.
What does it mean to you to be part of a thriving ecosystem?
Over the years, my interest in ecology, natural farming, and permaculture has deepened this perspective. Through these practices, I have come to understand more clearly how profoundly interconnected all living systems are. Every action, every choice, and every form of life influences something beyond itself. Once you begin to embrace these principles, it becomes impossible to separate one aspect of life from all the others.
For example, caring for the soil means caring for plants, animals, water, communities, and ultimately ourselves.
This awareness has strengthened my sense of responsibility toward the place we inhabit. I believe we are not owners of the Earth but participants in a complex and delicate network of relationships that sustains all life.
My photography is a way of honoring these connections and encouraging reflection on our role within them.