Mitski Park, 2018-2020

For two years (2018-2020), I worked on an INTERREG project called Mitski park (Mythical park).

The main goal of the project was to actively preserve and enhance the cultural heritage of mythical landscapes from the perspective of sustainable tourism in the areas of Mošćenička Draga (Croatia) and Hrpelje-Kozina (Slovenia). While visiting one of these destinations, visitors are shown a presentation of the other location, which encourages them to visit the neighboring country as well.

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To mark the walking and cycling trails and to illustrate and interpret mythical traditions at selected locations around the village of Rodik, stone indicators and sculptures were used. My task was to design and create these pieces. In total, around 40 stone pieces were made. I had assistance with the carving—approximately 20 people helped with this part of the process.

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The lettering for the trail markers was done by the incredible Marko Drpić. 
 

Here is an example of the story behind one of the sculptures made for a location at Mitski Park Rodik:

The folk tradition associated with this sculpture tells the tale of a young shepherd who falls into the Cikova Jama cave, where a dwarf lives. The dwarf is pleased to have company and provides the boy with food and drinks. The boy is amazed by the beautiful formations (dripstones) he sees and appreciates the hospitality, but he soon starts to miss his family. He asks if he can return. The dwarf agrees to take him back to the village, but upon arrival, the shepherd discovers that no one recognizes him anymore, and his family is gone. He realizes that what felt like a few days in the cave was actually 300 years on the surface. He decides to leave the village and continue grazing his sheep.

​Photographs: Martin Peca and personal archive

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Similar projects: Štanjel 1:300, Closeness, Mitski Park