Sound of the Sea
“I lived without a clock and listened to what my body wanted at every moment.”
Nature is the cure for a noisy world. I’m convinced it washes away all the bullshit. When people come to visit and I sense they’ve packed a whole lot of drama, I lighten the load by carrying them off to the ocean or submerging them in a good forest bath. Mama Earth loves on her children. Clean air, fresh water, rich soil are her gifts. Seeking solitude under her open sky, I met Spanish photojournalist Ana Rodríguez Alonso, who took time off from her non-stop schedule (news never ends) to serve as caretaker of The Arctic Hideaway. We were both enticed by the peace it promised. An island all to ourselves, untamed and unbothered.
You began your professional life as a librarian. What drew you to it?
I was the child who loved to read and I decided very young to become a librarian. At 15, I discovered there was a degree that would allow me to live between books, “Librarianship and Information Management.” I said, ‘That’s what I want!’
Do you have a favorite moment as librarian?
I have several. When a user asks for a recommendation, enjoys the book, then wants you to recommend something else. Or when you watch a child discover a story they love. When working in public libraries, you see people who live alone or are homeless find shelter and community. It’s nice to create safe spaces.
Can a librarian have one favorite book or author? if so, what’s yours?
I can't choose just one, that’s impossible! But I always recommend Flowers for Mrs Harris by Paul Gallico. I think everyone should make at least one personal solo journey in their lifetime. I also really like Ernest Hemingway and Paul Auster, as well as the Spanish authors Manuel Rivas and Eduardo Mendoza.
Why did you make the switch from librarian to photojournalist?
It's something I never planned. The financial crisis struck Spain really hard. Many cultural projects, especially libraries, lost a big chunk of government support. It became increasingly difficult to get a job. During this time, I began toying with a camera. I took several courses for amateurs before returning to school to earn a master’s degree in image making. I started from zero in a new profession.
What’s in your camera bag? what tools do you bring along on assignments?
It depends on the agenda. Generally, there's always one camera and two lenses (18-135mm and 70-200mm). If I have to take a portrait, I’ll add a 50mm lens. I’ll toss in two cameras for a soccer match. When you work at the studio, you can have more material. But when you’re running all around the city, you have to think very carefully about what you put in your backpack. Otherwise, at the end of the day, you’ll have awful back pain.
“I left my camera and computer in the back of my backpack for a few weeks and simply enjoyed the sound of the sea.”
is there a story you’ve captured that has been an “aha” moment for you?
It happens at interviews all the time. I like to join the writers, be there when they ask questions, listen to the interviewee, observe their movements. I take a few photos while they chat, knowing its not going to be the right photo. At the end of the Q+A, since I’ve created a connection with the subject, I’ll make my portrait. And it’s always an “aha” moment.
Are you open to discussing gender politics in news photography?
Right now, all women should be willing to discuss gender issues. We’re in a moment of change and we have an obligation to leave a better world for the girls who come after us. I’ve never had any real problems. On the contrary, I can go places my male colleagues can’t - like a theatre dressing room while an actress prepares for the show. I work with a team where men are in the majority and I feel supported by them in every situation. The only limitation I found at first, is in physical strength. I’m not as naturally strong as the men, so I train at the gym every day, That way, I can support the weight of my own camera bag.
How did you learn about the arctic hideaway?
A good American friend was last summer’s caretaker. She called me and said, "This place just changed my life".
The Arctic hideaway is a deeply contemplative place. what are some personal observations you made during your time there?
I really connected with myself. I arrived mentally exhausted from a lot of stress at work. When you’re so tired, it’s impossible to be creative. I left my camera and computer in the back of my backpack for a few weeks and simply enjoyed the sound of the sea. I lived without a clock and listened to what my body wanted at every moment. Then, one day while walking, an idea arrived and I started to take pics again - the most sincere pictures I’ve ever taken, simply by reconnecting with nature, the sea, and myself.
I really thought I wanted your job until I witnessed you scrape the remains of a wild bird off a cliff. If caretaker means, “mortician of feathery friends”, I can’t!
It’s true. When you live in the middle of nature, you share your space with birds and other animals. And yes, you’re their caretaker too!
How does fleinvær, Norway differ from life in Spain?
Oh, it’s completely different. I live in a city. I run around everywhere. I have quick conversations with many different people. My cell phone rings all the time. And I have emails constantly filling my inbox. Whew, I just realized I miss life in Fleinvær!
is there anything else you think readers should know?
I think everyone should break routines and take a trip just for themselves. The Arctic Hideaway is the perfect place to do it.
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Photographed on location by Ana Rodríguez Alonso at The Arctic Hideaway
Follow Ana’s journeys on Instagram
Retreat with us in Fleinvær, Norway
Interview by Malika Ali Harding