Editing this series has been sometimes hard but at the same time breathtaking once again! Being at these landscapes, that nature and shooting in between those animals was impressive. They were staring at me as if I was an alien. Calmly checking if I wasn't getting too close. The sand and hard lava stone in my skin. Hurting my knees, hands and elbows for a shot. Everything was beyond me, my human body, my knowledge… just a city girl. A Berlin girl… I melted in nature.

What was once a tourist trip has now become a journey of healing.

Last December I was assaulted by my now ex-partner in Berlin.

I did not go on this trip for that reason. I pushed myself to actually do it, as it had been booked for months, but my mental health was terrible. I spent 6 weeks in bed and put all my energy into GO BACK TO MY COUNTRY. I arrived in a terrible state.

Going to the Galapagos was the most reliving trip. The connection with nature, my decision and my strength to actually do a solo trip in such a state made me realise that what happened to me wasn't mine, it wasn't me! It was someone else's fucked up story that they made me a part of. The story I am part of is beyond that and the opposite of that!

I’m capable of turning the ugly into beautiful amazing experiences for myself and that is my feature. Not only in my private life but in my artwork. I aim to be an example for many. WOMEN do not shut up, speak up! Tell your story ANYHOW: Through your work, words, anything. Patriarchal oppression of thinking that speaking up is embarrassing to the survivor and not the aggressor is the real problem. Find your medium! You are heard!

I’m just an example, I’m here if you want to be heard. We are here.

I’m a survivor and never a victim!

Daniela xx