Why do I photograph the Portuguese montados? What´s the big attraction? How did I start this project?
For a long time I could not answer these questions. But now a certainty has solidified in my mind:
When I arrived in Portugal, almost three years ago, I was contacted by the trees. I just did not notice it at first, because I did not understand their language.
But now I know: trees communicate through enchantment.
They attract you to their homes and then reveal themselves, little by little, in their own time.
It was because of them that I stated to visit the montados. There is a magic forest next to us, and we do not notice it.
Isn’t life better in an enchanted world? Why do we have to ban magic and enchantment from our lives? After all, aren’t these what define our childhood, and isn’t our childhood what defines us?
I leave this is as food for thought. It took me a while to go beyond the rational mind and enter – or better, re-enter – the enchanted world. It’s better there, trust me. And trees will help you out, if you just let them.
