The Oder – dangerously beautiful, churning, terrifyingly focused on its furious ascent, ready to embark on its destructive pilgrimage…. yet between the banks …. yet a little while …

This hat is the first of the “Water” series, inspired by the events in Moravia and Silesia in the late summer of 2024. Water ran through our houses, some of them were only damaged, others were demolished or had to be demolished, dams were broken, bridges were washed away, craters were created. Many people were cut off from civilisation (no signal, no internet, no electricity) and watched helplessly as the rain fell and refused to stop. In the cities, boats were driven around and cars were stacked on top of each other with the ease of matches”… and when it came back between the banks and left the troughs it had made for itself, it was beautifully shimmering and innocent, its gentle ripples glistening in the sun….. She took a lot from us, but she brought us together. There was a lot of solidarity, belonging and selfless help among the people. Compassion and love.

Note: Entries have been not been edited or proofread to protect the integrity of the maker's original meaning.