A Mexican photographer displays the nature of the North as art
Would you follow your dreams to the edge of the world? That’s what Mexican Arctic-nature photographer Marcela Cardenas did after falling in love with glaciers, icebergs, polar bears and winter landscapes. She
had been dreaming for years about living amid spectacular nature and being able to capture its essence through her lens. “I’m deeply attracted to the blue ice found in glaciers and icebergs. They are the most fantastic natural formations, and each iceberg is a unique piece of art,” said Marcela. Her free spirit, courage, and determination allow her to travel alone to remote places throughout the Arctic region, pursuing her own photographic projects. “I reinvented myself when I was 35 years old and decided to quit my unfulfilling office job. Instead, I followed my heart and passion and moved to the northernmost inhabited place on earth: Svalbard, Norway and made my dream come true!” said Marcela. Her free spirit, courage, and determination allow her to travel alone to remote places throughout the Arctic region, pursuing her own photographic projects. “I reinvented myself when I was 35 years old and decided to quit my unfulfilling office job. Instead, I followed my heart and passion and moved to the northernmost inhabited place on earth: Svalbard, Norway and made my dream come true!” said Marcela.
Svalbard, the kingdom of the Polar bear
Marcela had an authentic Arctic adventure driving her own snow scooter for over two years, exploring and photographing some of the most pristine nature in the world. “I love Polar bears, they are my absolute favorite animals, and I still get goosebumps thinking about my first encounter with one. There is nothing like seeing polar bears in their natural habitat,” said Marcela, who became a full-time photographer in 2011 while in Svalbard and has never looked back.
Greenland, The Land of the People
Marcela later moved to Greenland for one year to start a new photo project and adventure. Greenland has breathtaking and unspoiled nature combined with the fascinating Inuit culture. “I felt so welcomed and embraced by locals. Greenlanders happened to be the most hospitable people I ever met; they were so kind, friendly, sweet, helpful, humble and giving,” Marcela said. She was based in the town Ilulissat, around majestic icebergs which can be several stories high, thousands of sled dogs and the most colorful houses you can imagine. “I had the chance to travel to 25 towns or villages and have exhilarating and unforgettable experiences staying with locals. I was invited to join them for fishing, hunting, vacation in summer cabins and family celebrations, “said Marcela.
Iceland, The Land of Ice and Fire
Marcela is currently living in Iceland and she loves every opportunity to photograph Icelandic horses, northern lights, puffins, ice caves, black sand beaches, waterfalls and many other amazing landscapes. But the definite highlight of her trip so far is the once in a lifetime opportunity to photograph the Fagradalsfjall volcano eruption last year. “It was easy to get lost in the moment since it looked so surreal, magical and breathtaking,” said Marcela. Marcela values the total freedom to do what she wants and what she loves. Here is some food for thought, why not do as Marcela: “Follow your passion and find a way to get paid doing what you love, so you don’t have to work a day in your life!” Marcela has a shop selling her photographs in Laugavegur 35 in the city of Reykjavik.
-JG
