Emilie Collins

Polku is one of a series of performances and experiential happenings undertaken during a residency at Arteles Creative Centre in Hämeenkyrö, Finland.

The project explored a broad range of themes related to nature, mythology, archetypes, fairy tales, symbolism and superstition.

Polku was the main performance of Emilie's stay during which she created a path leading into the woods using paper yarn dyed with rowan berries. Viewers were invited to join her into the woods following the yarn. Emilie performed a ritual, washing herself with the moss found on the ground and changing into a bright red dress as well as a wolfskin. She then washed the viewers' faces with the moss, fed them bilberries picked on the spot and kissed them. Emilie then washed herself with moss one more time and changed back to the lighter dress before carefully unravelling the path.

Project made possible through funding from Wales Arts International.