Photoshoot inspired by Millais’ “Ophelia”
Photographer: Maria Stefanova
Model: Tsvetozara Stefanova
Writing assistant: Roberta Guevska
The story behind the painting
Sir John Everett Millais painted Ophelia between 1851 and 1852 in two separate locations. He painted the landscape part of the painting outside, by the Hogsmill River at Ewell in Surrey; and painted the figure of Ophelia inside in his Gower Street studio in London. Millais’s image of the tragic death of Ophelia, as she falls into the stream and drowns, is one of the best-known illustrations from Shakespeare’s play Hamlet.
Our inspiration for the photoshoot
This time we decided to explore a brand new location that happened to be the largest farm for water lilies and water plants in Bulgaria. It is located just outside the city of Pleven and is frequently used by tourists. We had the opportunity to meet with owner of the farm and conduct the project with the help of his team.
“What is our desired goal? Initially there were 20 flowers from different parts of the world in our farm, but soon we will reach over 50 – something we have never dreamed of! The purpose of creating an innovative farm for cultivated water lilies was to provide the variety of water lilies and plants worldwide and make it available in our home country – Bulgaria. Everything started with a dream and our farm is the proof that dreams do come true. Of course, we cannot change our lives in one day, but we can surely change our mindset and enjoy the little things.”, said Doitchin Vladimirov – the owner of the farm.
The inspiration behind this art project was a mixture of our love for art and our desire to get to know our region and the local entrepreneurs of today. Our team is beyond thankful for the cooperation and kind welcome we received at the farm.
Now we present you a photoshoot that reconnected us to nature and inspired us to learn and create. Another special experience that we had the opportunity to capture. Enjoy!
