In the last six months I have been reseaching general problematics and facts about river Krka, which is one of the “greenest rivers in Slovenia”. Krkas flow is quite slow and short, but special for its region which is known for many caves and intermittent waters.
Krkas problem is not its “city captivity” but chemical pollution, which destroied rivers rich underwaters life; many sorts of fishes, shells and autochtonous species of crabs. Krka has shaped and gae life to many local smiths, millers and farms. Its transparant green colour is long time gone, however, the river kept its stillness and green algaeis, which make rivers character unique.
Krka is passing quite short way from its origin. On its way it passes many villages and towns, at the end it pours out to another big river Sava.
I have mapped many childhood memories, important conversations with today still working millers, kayak-men and fishermen. They all talk about one story;
“It used to be full of life.” It is still our local river, but its true purpose is forgoten.” Its has a special smell and taste, which we will never forget.”
Millers have a special role in the rivers cycle; it gives us wheat, therefore everyday bread, we clean it and give back only brans, therefore a food.”
Recording:
The project was inspired exclusively from the point of exploring the river as a water body, which flows “through space and time of human existence”. It leaves traces behind it, which are so-called “traces of nature and man”. Therefore, the importance of coexistence, history and the ethnography of the river, created by water and man.
Stories are a foundation of this type of project. Answers to questions related to millers, kayaking, life in Kostanjevica and Novo Mesto, testify to the changes of the Krka River and the person living along it; child memories of turbulent flights on the river, life in floodplains, ecological circle of mill and river, and the development of the city between the branches of the river.
Sound recordings, anonymous narrators will listen to performers through a walk along the Župančič embankment. The walk began at the station “Pumpenca” (below the train station of NM) and finish at the Kandijski most (bridge).