Novels of Nature:

Interview: Gisele Azad

‘Nature is nature, and it has always been there. We are always in search of something new, something unfamiliar, but there is just as much mystery in the ordinary.’

CAN YOU TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR PAST?

I was born in Tehran, Iran, and came to the Netherlands with my parents and younger brother when I was 4 years old. Initially, it was difficult for me to "land" and find my place here due to the change in environment and culture. I moved from the northern part of the Netherlands to Amsterdam to build a career. I always had big dreams, wanting to be a part of something, to find my place. I moved from Amsterdam to Stockholm for a master's degree while starting my own business. The pandemic has brought about significant changes in my life, leading me to look at my life in a different way. I reached a point where I could redefine who I am and what I do, starting from a blank canvas. I returned to the Netherlands, where I once began to find my freedom, a sanctuary I never thought I would find back here, in nature.
‘I reached a point where I could redefine who I am and what I do, starting from a blank canvas.’

IS THERE ANYTHING FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD THAT STILL PLAYS A ROLE IN YOUR DAILY LIFE?

Our home was always open to everyone when I was a kid, even if ten people showed up. Making people feel welcome and leaving them with a good vibe is important to me. I love sharing and I'm a true social butterfly, always fluttering around and connecting with others.

WHAT IS THE MOST POSITIVE EFFECT NATURE HAS ON YOU?

I love waking up in the morning to the sounds of nature. When I lived in the city, I wasn't exactly a morning person. Nature is magical in the morning. Sometimes, I wake up before the sun rises to see how nature awakes. Every day brings something different. It gives me energy throughout the day.

WHAT IS THE MOST SURPRISING THING YOU’VE EXPERIENCED HERE SO FAR?

Our home here is not only our own; it is also a place for nature and the animals that nest here. I am incredibly happy to be a part of it. I always thought I enjoyed a fancy restaurant, but now I realize what true luxury is: freedom in nature, being one with nature. And the beautiful thing is that this luxury is accessible to everyone.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST GRATEFUL FOR?

I believe it is the feeling of freedom that I have never experienced like this before. Nature is accessible to everyone, but to find this sense of freedom is a luxury. I only realized this when I moved here. Nature is nature, and it has always been there. We are always in search of something new, something unfamiliar, but there is just as much mystery in the ordinary.

'I believe it is the feeling of freedom that I have never experienced like this before. Nature is accessible to everyone, but to find this sense of freedom is a luxury'.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST GRATEFUL FOR?

I believe it is the feeling of freedom that I have never experienced like this before. Nature is accessible to everyone, but to find this sense of freedom is a luxury. I only realized this when I moved here. Nature is nature, and it has always been there. We are always in search of something new, something unfamiliar, but there is just as much mystery in the ordinary.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE SO FAR?

My favorite place is the picnic table built by my fiancé, Rudmer. We both have a creative background, and I find it amazing to see how it merges with nature. Pollution has hindered nature for so long, and I think we have reached a point where we realize how grateful we should be for nature. Creation and nature should reinforce each other.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO AFTER THE RENOVATION?

I hope to create my own world, a place where I can amplify my sense of luxury and wellness. For me, the vibe of the place is actually more important than its appearance. The feeling that I have finally landed somewhere. I hope for a nest where I feel at home and where I can also make others feel at home.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT YOURSELF THAT EMERGE IN NATURE?

I am small in stature and used to only wear heels. Now I literally wear clogs. I still enjoy dressing up, but with nature comes comfort. The other day, I unintentionally went to Amsterdam wearing my clogs. I found it quite amusing.

IS THERE SOMETHING YOU MISS ABOUT THE CITY AFTER ALL?

The only thing that comes to mind is that I miss seeing creative concepts come to life, especially in art and architecture. Everything made by humans. I hope that creativity and nature will become more intertwined in the future, just like the picnic table in our garden.

IS YOUR LIFE MORE SUSTAINABLE NOW?

When we moved, we realized that the quality of the trees in our garden was not optimal due to climate change. It's something you don't immediately notice, but climate change affects every piece of nature. Fortunately, we can contribute to mitigating its effects. Additionally, there are already solar panels on one of the cabins. I have always been interested in sustainability, and I find it valuable to learn more about it from nature.

IS YOUR LIFE MORE SUSTAINABLE NOW?

When we moved, we realized that the quality of the trees in our garden was not optimal due to climate change. It's something you don't immediately notice, but climate change affects every piece of nature. Fortunately, we can contribute to mitigating its effects. Additionally, there are already solar panels on one of the cabins. I have always been interested in sustainability, and I find it valuable to learn more about it from nature.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO GET USED TO THE MOST?

The city is designed for consumption; everything revolves around consuming. You make plans, and you go and do them. Time is filled for you. I notice that it's completely different here. Suddenly, I have plenty of time. I have no schedule, and there is no benchmark for how I should allocate my time. In the beginning, I had to get used to how to deal with this, but it gives me a tremendous sense of calm.

'I believe it is the feeling of freedom that I have never experienced like this before. Nature is accessible to everyone, but to find this sense of freedom is a luxury'.

DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER DREAMS YOU WOULD LIKE TO FULFILL?

I'm really enjoying this project, and although we've only just begun, I would love to make this happen somewhere abroad, in a warm place.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO INSPIRE OTHERS?

I recently started writing a monthly column for Vogue. I've noticed that many people are interested in my story. Many dream of moving to a secluded place in nature, but few actually make it happen. I want to be that example, inspiring others to follow their dreams and embrace a life closer to nature.

WHAT DOES YOUR IDEAL LIFE LOOK LIKE IN TWO YEARS?

In 2 years, we will still be in the midst of renovations. I prefer to think about how my life will be in 3 years. By then, the renovations will be behind us, and I hope to have a place that we can share with others. I want to nestle myself just like the animals around me, and I hope to share this nest with many.

DESCRIBE THE FEELING THIS PLACE EVOKES IN YOU IN 3 WORDS.
Firstly, 'freedom,' which I have found here along with the feeling to truly be myself. The second word is 'landed'; I still feel like I'm on vacation every day. It's the feeling of being away from it all. I have landed in a destination where I can be at ease. 'Ease' is the last word that immediately comes to mind. In the city, you sometimes feel a certain pressure, but here I can fill my days as I please.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CONVEY TO PEOPLE WHO ARE CONSIDERING LEAVING THE CITY?
I am less bored than when I lived in the city. Nature is incredibly unimaginable. When you have a place where you can do what you want, there is so much to discover. I can hardly remember what I used to do on a Saturday in the city. I don't want to be led by someone else or trends. I am now leading my own life. And that's true freedom! Planning on moving to nature too?