No Signal: Living in the Heart of Nature. Ten Portraits

Photographer Brice Portolano traveled to remote locations around the world to capture the daily lives of 10 extraordinary people who have chosen to live off the grid. The resulting series offers a captivating portrait of these individuals and their inspiring vision of living closer to nature.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 23 August 2022
Publisher: teNeues Publishing UK Ltd

Between 2015 and 2020, photographer Brice Portolano embarked on a remarkable journey to capture the daily lives of 10 extraordinary individuals who have chosen to live off the grid. Spanning from the remote islands of Alaska to the vast Patagonian steppe, from the enchanting forests of Lapland to the rugged highlands of Iran, Portolano's lens documented the profound changes these individuals made in their lives to embrace a closer connection with nature.

These off-grid pioneers consciously built a life away from the hustle and bustle of urban civilization, often without access to phone signals or internet connectivity. Their lives, though arduous, are characterized by a profound sense of personal freedom, self-determination, and fulfillment. Through Portolano's captivating photographs, we are presented with an inspiring vision of the joys of finding one's place in the world and the challenges of living off the grid.

Within these 10 vivid portraits, we meet a diverse range of individuals who have chosen unconventional paths. Tinja, a dog sled driver in Lapland, navigates the frozen landscapes with her loyal companions. Ali, a Persian horseman, harnesses the power of his noble steed to traverse the rugged terrains. Barny, a self-sufficient individual, resides in a circus wagon in Cumbria, England, embracing a nomadic lifestyle. Zaya, a reindeer herder in the Mongolian taiga, relies on her deep connection with nature to sustain her family and community.

George, a hostel father in Tuscany, offers a warm welcome to travelers seeking solace in the heart of the Italian countryside. Sylwia, an artist on the Greek island of Lefkada, finds inspiration in the breathtaking landscapes that surround her. Sky, an Argentinean goucha, lives a nomadic lifestyle, herding cattle across the vast plains. Ben, a hunter in Utah, USA, relies on his expertise to provide for his family and community. Jerry, an oyster farmer in Alaska, harvests the bountiful waters of the Pacific Ocean. Elena, a lighthouse keeper in Norway, oversees the treacherous coastline, guiding ships through the perilous waters.

These portraits not only showcase the unique lifestyles of these individuals but also shed light on the broader societal implications of living off the grid. They challenge our conventional notions of what it means to be successful and fulfilled, emphasizing the importance of simplicity, self-reliance, and a deep connection with the natural world.

Through his lens, Portolano has created a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of these off-grid pioneers. Their stories inspire us to reevaluate our own relationship with the environment and consider the possibilities of living a more sustainable and fulfilling life.

In conclusion, "Off the Grid: Portraits of 10 Extraordinary Individuals" is a captivating book that takes readers on a journey of discovery. Through the lens of photographer Brice Portolano, we are introduced to 10 extraordinary people who have chosen to live off the grid, embracing a life of personal freedom, self-determination, and fulfillment. These portraits offer an inspiring vision of the joys of finding one's place in the world and the challenges of living off the grid. By shedding light on the unique lifestyles of these individuals and the broader societal implications of living off the grid, Portolano has created a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of these off-grid pioneers. Their stories inspire us to reevaluate our own relationship with the environment and consider the possibilities of living a more sustainable and fulfilling life.

Weight: 1785g
Dimension: 300 x 235 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783961714056