Monica Pronk in studio with Mesa

sharing wisdom and insights from women in our community weaving together wellbeing, art, and the individual connection to self care; how it inspires ritual in their day to day lives.

Monica is an award-winning, internationally published Sydney-based photographer specialising in people, fashion, lifestyle and a bit of everything in between. She loves to create and tell stories through her work, whether in the studio creating a visual concept or wading in the ocean at dusk, she finds pure magic in those moments of creating and the endless possibilities they hold.

We are so honoured to have a few of your photographs in studio (for sale for all curious) – can you tell us a little bit about the inspiration behind Pachamama - shot in Costa Rica?

I’m so honoured to have my work hanging in the beautiful oasis of Mesa.

Pachamama (Mother Earth) is from my series Part of the Whole, revering our connection to nature. At the beginning of 2023 I spent 3 months on the beautiful & wild Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica. It is such a beautiful and magnetic place where the connection to Mother Earth is truly felt in everything. I captured Pachamama at a secret beach only the locals knew, we had to climb down the rock face to find it when the tide was low.

We shared a powerful moment, climbing the rocky cliffs just as the golden sun was setting over the ocean, it was such a special place and a free and intuitive moment, capturing the beauty of wild women & earth all entwined.

What is your creative process - how do you channel your vision and bring it to life?

I follow what lights the fire within, feels true to my soul, and go from there. It’s the reason this photo project is ongoing, as it’s such a special and important one to me, and I hope my work serves as an inspiration to reconnect to nature, and follow that feeling.

Your greatest creation so far, your beautiful baby boy! A huge congratulations from us - we loved nurturing you both pre and post your son’s arrival - how has your perception of being an artist shifted since birth?

Ahh where to start? Becoming a mother is the most transformational thing I’ve ever experienced, and when I found out I was pregnant I knew I would see this as a different kind of creative project, one from within that is the most intuitive yet. Motherhood truly cracks you open and brings everything into the light, and I would say this just makes you feel everything even more and as an artist, that’s super inspiring.

It also reduces the time you have for self care, which makes that all the more important. I’ve really been practicing gratitude for any moment’s I get to myself, and the massage’s I’ve had in your beautiful space, postpartum have been oh so nourishing.

What is your non-negotiable as a new mum?

I do my best to be as eco as I can in my choices as a parent, and to also be super present.

What was a common theme or feeling you found inspiring while witnessing the connection of women and nature?

Just that wonderful feeling, of how true & natural and magical it is to truly immerse yourself in nature, whether that’s running around nude in the wild, or diving into the deep blue ocean.. It is one of the most freeing things you can do - to truly feel it, the connection to nature vibrate with every fibre of your being. I always feel this brings such an immense gratitude and respect for the vastness of it all, and a gentleness towards our role as humans within it.

One of the most influential books you’ve read?

Forest Bathing - Dr. Cindi Gilbert

Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts

Thank you Mon - with love

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