THE GOOD SHEPHERDESS

THE GOOD SHEPHERDESS explores the hopes, lives and dreams of modern-day shepherd-women in Spain, France and Switzerland.

I began this work 4 years ago, after meeting a young university graduate who was leaving city life in Barcelona--to become a professional shepherdess.

I was instantly transfixed by her decision.

Why was she attracted to this age-old profession–one of the oldest in human history– with its intense physical demands, solitary days, and dismal financial prospects?

I began to follow her journey, and those of other shepherd-women, in wild and remote locations, through mountains, forests and fields of flowers.

The growing number of women, voluntarily choosing shepherd work, marks a radical shift from male-dominated, family-oriented shepherding practices of past centuries.

Having attended formal shepherd schools–which are growing in number around Europe– these women also represent a brand-new generation of climate-conscious, digitally connected, and scientifically trained shepherds of the future.

This project explores the enduring relevance of an ancient trade, in an ever-warming, digital world. It is also a document of the growing efforts of some, to uproot, and redefine what it means to live in environmental harmony with the Earth.