Naiads— the swimming:  nymphs of rivers and springs, are said to possess
prophetic powers and are revered as guardians of art,  poetry,  and  music.

In this series, young women are portrayed wearing necklaces of shimmering fish—symbols of both transience and beauty. The title “Naiad” embraces the essence of water and femininity, where the soft touch of skin against the jewelry creates a subtle and intimate connection.

The photographs in this series were staged using a hand-painted backdrop in her greens. The sparkling necklaces, with surfaces in gleaming gold, silver, and iridescent rainbow hues, convey a quiet strength. At the same time, they embody fragility and impermanence. This paradox between freshness and transience lies at the heart of the series.

Water plays an essential role in her life and work. As someone who spent much of her childhood in and on the water, it remains a flowing source of inspiration. Her current living and working environment is still surrounded by it. A camera added to this natural setting once led to mystical underwater photographs, captured during her final  exhibition at the art academy.

“What the water gives me” is a deeply personal experience of reflection and renewal. It echoes in the natural surroundings where she works and sometimes calls to mind “What the Water Gave Me”—the title of a masterful open-air theater production. Inspired by the water surrounding the former island of Schokland and the eponymous painting by Frida Kahlo (scene photography: Diana Blok), this ensemble performance left a lasting impression on a summer evening in 1990, bringing together various art forms in perfect harmony.

Walking and reflecting amidst her untrimmed terrain with its water features, the idea of a future summer project begins to take shape—something that goes beyond photographic stagings. It envisions a form where visitors, like on that summer evening, move from one location to another, with the landscape, water, and art coming together to craft a dynamic performance.

Titles from the Naiad series include: Lure, Naiad with Bait Necklace, Naiad with Anguilla Anguilla Necklace, Naiad with Trout Necklace,  Rejuvenating Naiad