There is beauty to be found in embracing the multiplicity of stories that constitute our identities. The essence of home is portable and fluid—always growing and adapting, fusing and mingling with different times, places and people, expressing itself in new forms and stories.

Cascina Lago Scuro

In June 2021, I spent a month living and working at Cascina Lago Scuro — a biodynamic farm and restaurant in Northern Italy. It was an experience of learning by doing, from preparing food in the Cucina, harvesting the land, and being part of the process of cheese-making in the Caseificio.

I was challenged to reconnect with my senses and re-educate myself on the relationship to our food. By observing the cycle from seed to table, I found a more symbiotic, collaborative relationship with nature — from respect, dedication, care and awareness, instead of detached and superior, forcing and controlling.

I read Alice Waters’ memoir while sitting under the trees and eating salad, which I just had picked from the garden — a mix of arugula, wasabi leaves, Lollo Rosso and flat-leave parsley, assembled like a bouquet in a bowl, while thinking of her words: “beauty is the language of care.”