Chapter 7: Lifeline, A Water Storytelling Project

Returning to The Po

This short video was made during the first research trip in the Po Delta Unesco Biosphere in July 2023.
(For best viewing, click the square icon on the right for full screen)
Director/Producer: Melissa McGill, Cinematographer/Director of Photography: Giovanni Pellegrini.

Dear friends,

I began this newsletter last September to share a new water storytelling project, Lifeline, as it flows and develops, featuring images, video, sound recordings and introductions to members of the project’s community. I hope you have enjoyed following along! It’s just the beginning…

In a few days, I will depart for my second research and development trip to visit the Po River, the State Archives of Turin, Mazzoleni Gallery (my upcoming exhibition opens October 30, 2024 and will be my biggest gallery exhibition to date…more soon on that!), and of course, Venice (for work on upcoming projects).

So I thought this would be a good time to share a brief overview of Lifeline as it continues to take shape…

Lifeline is a water story-telling project that is being presented in stages, taking the form of an experiential, collaborative, event-based public intervention, film project, and book that will inspire and invigorate engagement, connection and care for the Po River. An enduring fresh water source, this ancestral waterway suffers from pollution, severe seasonal drought and climate change, negatively impacting its biodiversity and threatening its mere existence. The Po Valley has always been dependent on this vital river which is the most important agricultural area in Italy, producing 40% of its food. The river’s network of braided channels, like lifelines, inspire the weaving together of the vital but underrepresented voices of both the river itself and those working to protect, support and honor its life-giving, life-sustaining and life-regenerative energy. Themes of interconnectedness run throughout Lifeline reminding us that we are stronger together when united for a common cause.

Where the river meets the sea in the Po Delta. Photos above by Giovanni Pellegrini

A detail of my palette in the studio. Natural color working its magic!

In Italian, tramandare, “to pass between hands,” is used when locals share the Po’s stories, and with Lifeline these underrepresented voices and perspectives will be lifted up and celebrated. By identifying and listening to the wisdom of communities whose daily lives are intimately intertwined with the life of the river, and drawing them into collaboration with one another in sharing the Po’s story along its length, we can co-create the next chapter in its sacred regeneration. The aim here is not only specific to the fate of the Po; but to help restore our relationship to waters everywhere to one of respect and reciprocity.

Here I am using a hydrophone to record water’s voice at ‎⁨Ente Parco Regionale Veneto del Delta del Po⁩, ⁨Porto Tolle⁩, ⁨Italy. Photo by Marcella Ferrari.

Detail of new work in my studio, made with water of the Po River, organic homemade plant based color and vinegar on Yupo.

When I return, I’ll be full of new water stories to share with you!

Thanks for being here,

MM