"Seraphim Light" captures the artistic spirit at "Ferma de Arta," The Art Farm near Suceava, Romania, owned by the Zidaru Family – Marian and Victoria (born 1956).
Longing to visit, I documented the August 2023 Summer School at The Art Farm, marked by communal meals, collaborative art, and shared prayers.
The Project is Ongoing.
From the moment they woke up, their days were filled with Togetherness, forming a Harmonious Community.
They dined as a Family, created Art in Unison and they Prayed together.
They all came together for one Purpose,
to Create.
Kaya, Adrien's Dog, was of great assistance in Raising the group's Spirits. In the background you can see the Giant Sculpture. Taken on 08.12.2023
This shot was taken moments after the whole group at the Art Farm managed to raise the Giant Sculpture—a tremendous physical team effort. The Pyramid, as they called it, took the shape of a tripod, with legs made of logs and a metal base to prevent sliding. Taken on 08.12.2023
From left to right. Cristina Iacob, Mara Bejan, Lazăr Teodora Catrinel and the 2 Dogs belonging to the Zidaru family photographed in front of Dan Sandu's Workshop. Taken on 08.10.2023
As the rest of the group diligently worked, Alexandra Mihailciuc, Lazăr Teodora Catrinel, and Mara Bejan were captured in a moment of carefree joy. Their playful energy provided a delightful contrast to the focused efforts of their peers, showcasing the vibrant dynamics of the group at work. Taken on 08.11.2023
Freshly picked Wild Mushrooms from a Forest nearby. It was our Dinner one night. Eating was a significant aspect of the Art Farm experience. Over the course of two weeks, the entire group exclusively savored vegetarian cuisine. Victoria Zidaru, assisted by Larisa Budeanu and her mother, Loredana Budeanu, diligently prepared three meals daily for the entire group. The menu varied nearly every day, featuring traditional recipes crafted with love that never failed to enchant us. Taken on 08.10.2023
The group at the Art Farm crafted handmade paper for the exhibition, which was later painted and left to dry in the sunlight. In the photograph, you can see Carmen's foot, one of the Artists participating while she was painting. Taken on 08.14.2023
In this moment, Cristina lends a hand to Adrien, Kevin, and Numa as they work together on assembling the Giant Sculpture. Taken on 08.12.2023
The French Blacksmith Brigade, as I wish to call them, Adrien (28), Kevin (26), and Numa (23) collaborated to add the final touches to the Giant Sculpture, enhancing its stability. All three of them have a shared passion for blacksmithing. They just came for 2 days to help out. Taken on 08.12.2023
Alexandra Culescu is preparing food for the Guests present at the Art Farm and Veronica Macovei is keeping her company. Taken on 08.13.2023
From left to right, Adriana Untilov, Alexandra Culescu and Alexandra Mihailciuc were admiring a double Rainbow during one of the most happiest of days for everyone. There was this magical feel about that day. Everyone could feel it. Living as a big family, praying, eating, creating, it forms a bond between all people.
From left to right, Carmen Parii, Alexandra Mihailciuc, Cristina Ciobanu, Dan Sandu and Adriana Untilov were hammering pikes into the ground. In the back you can see the Wing that is going to be put on top of the Giant Sculpture.
Dan Sandu leads the effort as the group collaboratively drives wooden stakes into the ground, laying the foundation for a platform beneath the towering giant sculpture. Taken on 08.14.2023
Marian Zidaru, born in 1956, Artist and a Master at his Craft Photographed in his outdoor workshop. This was one his spots were he could tune out the world around him and just Create. Sometimes I could see him come here to just sit in Silence.
Dan Sandu, born in in 1967, Artist. He has been the Apprentice of Marian Zidaru for over 20 years, he lives at the Art Farm with Marian Zidaru and his wife, Victoria. If you needed anything, you could go to him and he would solve it.
Marian Zidaru explaining to the Group how to make the Wing for the Giant Sculpture.
Dan Sandu, born in 1967, an artist and apprentice of Marian Zidaru for over 20 years, resides at the Art Farm with Marian and his wife, Victoria. Adriana Untilov and Alexandra Mihailciuc asked him to hold a presentation about his craft for the group the next day. Known as a skilled painter and sculptor, Dan Sandu enriches the community with his expertise. Taken on 08.09.2023
Often times there are events being held at the Art Farm. It was a big deal for Victoria Zidaru for everything to be Perfect before the guests arrive.
Viorel Cacovean, born in 1962. He was the oldest from the group present apart from the Zidaru family. He was a Physics Professor in his early days.
Adriana Untilov, born in 1983, is an artist and mother who was present at the Art Farm. Allegedly, she has Russian ancestors who were circus performers, as well as a lineage of travelers and deported individuals. Taken 08.14.2023
Veronica Macovei, born in 2005, was creating small spiders from sticks tied together using natural strings for the upcoming exhibition at the Art Farm. Taken on 08.11.2023
One of Veronica's handmade Spiders made for the Exhibition.
Ceramics Workshop. Each Person present made a Creation of their own for the Exhibition at the end of their stay at the Art Farm.
A Ceramic Workshop the group attended at the Art Farm.
Guests would usually come to the Public Events held at the Art Farm by the Zidaru Family. It is a usual occurrence. The Zidaru family are very welcoming people. Their House is like a Public Museum. They graciously offer tours of every room to all visitors.
Marian Zidaru and Alexandra Culescu during the night. In order to put the finishing touches on the Giant Sculpture, the group had to work after the Sunset in pitch darkness to be ready for the Exhibition.
The Culmination: Johan Portier, with the assistance of Cristina Iacob, positions the Wooden Wing atop the Giant Sculpture, symbolizing the final puzzle piece of their artistic journey at the Art Farm. Taken 08.14.2023
Teamwork was the heartbeat of life at the Art Farm. Every task, regardless of size, was a collective endeavor among those present. From sunrise to sunset, everyone played a role. In this photograph, the essence of the collaborative spirit shines as each person lends a hand to raise the Giant Sculpture off the ground, a testament to their shared commitment and unity. Taken on 08.12.2023
Moments after the previous photograph was taken, but from a different angle, this next image continues the visual journey, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and cooperation as the cornerstones of life at the Art Farm. Taken on 08.12.2023