Quintessence - by Marketa Irglova, featuring Emiliana Torrini and Aukai

This video is a short film I made to accompany my song, Quintessence. It was shot in Iceland, over the period of a few weeks this past June, with the help of my two daughters Karítas Árný Sturludóttir and Árveig Mía Sturludóttir who drove with me to several locations and allowed me to capture their natural, beautiful selves in our favorite places all within an hours drive from Reykjavík, where we live. My friend Jónatan Grétarsson, an Icelandic photographer had additionally taken some footage of Karítas, a portrait in motion.
Given that the song is about our connection with nature, and the feeling of stillness, presence and awareness wild places imbue our hearts with, it seemed only natural the visuals should invite those very feelings. I remember them most intensely from my childhood, when spending all hours outdoors in warm summer days was the most magical and fun thing there was. When we become adults, there is always so much to do, and so little time to do it, that we don’t allow ourselves this stillness, this silent communion with nature and with ourselves. Walking without a destination, sitting on a rock unaware of time passing. What’s more, we don’t even feel like we are missing out, for we are always rushing. So much that there is no time to even consider an alternative way of being. But something is always calling us, inviting us to retrieve what had been lost.
Shooting this video, I had spent more time outdoors than I have in a very long time. We followed the weather and often waited for the magical hour of twilight. We took advantage of the 24 hour day light and sometimes went to a location late in the evening when there was little foot traffic. Every such trip felt like an adventure, at a time of day most people were on the couch watching an episode before turning in. Which is exactly what I would have been doing myself had it not been for the filming. It made me wonder, why I had stopped doing this. Going outside spontaneously, just to watch a sunset, or to feel the rain on my face. Me, who has always been so aware of how much I need nature to feel balanced. It felt quite shocking to realize that between work and children, cooking, cleaning, and so forth, I had forgotten to make room for such moments in my life. I forgot to make room for myself. It is as though it was always on my mind, but a part of me thought: “Oh well it will still be there once I have the chance to go and experience it.“ As if it were not possible right then and there. As if I needed some excuse, some purpose beyond that of simply going outside and being in my own company. I think we are all a bit trapped in our routines, for that is how the world is designed. Perhaps it is time to break out of them a bit. To make room for spontaneity, and allow the unexpected to happen. For without mystery, our lives become dull.
So here is to playfulness and spontaneity. Let them not be exclusive to childhood but follow us throughout our lives always. Let us live each day as if it were our last, for one day, it will be.
VIDEO CREDITS
Quintessence by Markéta Irglová, featuring Emiliana Torrini and Aukai,
Starring Karítas Árný Sturludóttir and Árveig Mía Sturludóttir
Produced by Sturla Mio Thorisson at Masterkey Studios
Filmed and edited by Markéta Irglová
Additional footage by Jónatan Grétarsson,
Color grading by Bjarki Guðjónsson at Trickshot
Made with the help of
Sturla Mio Thorisson,
Tina Dickow and Helgi Hrafn Jónsson,
Anna Kristín and Pétur Ben and Gylli the horse,
Karl Petersson,
Linda Björk Eiríksdóttir and
Her beautiful custom knitted sweaters,
Iceland,
Nature,
Mary Reynolds and
The elemental realm.
Please visit www.wearetheark.org

[@barnacles62]

The world needs more music like this, and especially now. Brilliantly beautiful with a spiritualism that will make one think, thank you.....

[@paulhastings6052]

ha ha, Old Bay my fav seasoning. Grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia USA- Seafood galore

[@evarybnickova7131]

Nádherný. Island, který mě tolikrát taky tak moc chytil, vaše úžasný dcery, radost z jejich objevování světa, a i ten komentář, kterýmu jako každá máma, chycena v rutině, tak moc rozumím. Přeju ať jste šťastná, těší mě sledovat vaši cestu k polárnímu kruhu a s hudbou dál, přeju vám radost z dětí a přeju si další písně.

[@katerinasalabova8067]

I am sitting here,in my home,tears coming down my face because they are putting google fiber cables underneath our beautiful garden soil that was ordered by the city. They are putting this plastic snake all over our state and it brakes my heart on top of everything else like poison truck driving at night through my neighborhood,spraying against mosquitoes while I wake up to dying bees on my driveway.THEN I found this beautiful song and its story and I feel better,knowing,there are others,loving on our planet❤️

[@ivanhajzin3852]

velmi souzním... nám také dovedli optické kabely až do lesa... naštěstí od domu mám ještě jeden pozemek cca 1km a tam už je jen příroda a kabel jen za pohybu živý, jako zmije nebo užovka, které v tichu a strojově nesekané louky mohou žít se mnou v souladu... tam opravdu ticho promlouvá...

[@panicopter]

Marketa is one of my favourite artists of all time, such a good song writer and crazy good voice, so much love !

[@paintingmommy]

I feel sorry for the soulless people who could give this a thumbs down. They're missing something so essential to being human. It is magnificent and touching. I'm moved to tears. Nature is my salvation

[@ivanhajzin3852]

Víte, my v České republice tomu říkáme prázdnota bytí.... Markéta je skvost a obrušující se diamant s upřímným a laskavým srdcem... posílám jen video, kde zpívá česky, tedy svou mateřštinou ....kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3PFaoSObbBqhqc kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIvRdmenhqqEp6c hodně štěstí... Ivan

[@paintingmommy]

@@ivanhajzin3852 she certainly is! Thank you for sharing!

[@dashafyah]

Nature is a "God" too, don't get yourself mislead by the limitation of your mind..

[@martinakolackova1729]

Markéto, děkuji Vám srdečně za tuto hlubokou písničku, ta energie je přesně to, co je teď potřeba.

[@emilymclaughlin1475]

Marketa, thank you for blessing the world with such beautiful music. This gave me beauty when I really needed it.

[@PoitinCZ]

This glorious anthem is a huge (non-religious) prayer and an aural hug which goes so deeply into the very heart of our existence. It makes me cry. Thank you. Jeremy.

[@marcolicalzi7745]

Just beautiful and dreamy! I love nordic culture and music!!! So connected with Mother Nature!!! Thanks thanks

[@suzychristensen8977]

So beautiful girls!

[@myearthandskycreation]

I listening this song since yesterday, don't remember how many times😊 it's makes me cry, smile, nostalgic, happy, calm, dreaming, grateful..., ... How beautiful is this, Soulful.

[@jankucera7995]

Přenádherná píseň, váš hlas a videoklip, naprosto dokonalé!❤

[@swietlikmarcin2532]

Pure beauty! I'm watching it over and over again and I'm still deeply moved.

[@miguel.212.g]

It is a melody that helps the world to reflect, I think it is necessary to think about this life that we lead so quickly, as if there was no end, the human being is a machine today that has forgotten the main thing. to provide yourself with feelings that help your inner world, thanks Marketa for making us see our problem in reality

[@Kiplargely1]

Your comments about being with nature and acting now really resonates with how I am feeling at the moment. It is easy to to feel such adventures should be planned, part of a routine and put off instead of just for now, when you feel the impulse. I often look back fondly to the days of my youth when I would move freely from one place to another, unaware of time and constraints that I was yet to build into my life. I don't see my family as constraints but the baggage you allow yourself to collect (abstract and concrete), which weighs you down and tries to keep you anchored to one place and a fixed way of thinking. Thank you for a beautiful song and refreshing outlook.

[@nachorros]

This song has made a big impact on me. It is really beautiful, spiritual, simple and at the same time hypnotizing. Thank you very much, I admire you very much. Please Marketa, come to Spain soon!!

[@jose.icicle]

I was born in Moravia, high school in Zlin and i listened to all music during night shifts while driving a yellow cab in New York in 80-90s and I have to thank you dear Ms. Markéta for sharing this song with others.

[@MasonToryen]

What a beautiful cinematography!

[@Kat-dt4nd]

This music is a magic. Thank you.

[@C.Emmaus]

4 years and finally... my heart is almost breaking

[@LilNYMama]

I thought I'd loved this song before, adding the film only makes it more ethereal

[@lea_australiannativefaunaconsv]

please keep making these beautiful videos with your most beautiful music 🙏🌻🌼🌷

[@martinvesely850]

velmi jste mě svou muzikou oslovila, děkuji

[@jacksoff-gridlife7147]

Love the music, your description and the video. What a beautiful family. Very glad to have bought ‘Once’ from a charity shop not knowing what it was about or knowing you or your music beforehand.

[@erazered]

Beautiful song and so truthful sentiment. Now more than ever nature is calling us to remember our connection.

[@dianekastner1990]

💜💖💚I love your music, lovely Marketa Irglova. What a gift.

[@scottpatterson8395]

Thank you, Marketa!!! A beautiful balm and reminder in these troubled times.

[@jankontra8549]

Marketa the best!

[@maxwhite2052]

They really are great sweaters!! Love the song and video too :)

[@angelicalizethvaldezvaldes6442]

This song sounds like a soundtrack of a movie, i really enjoy to listen it

[@chaseme65]

Absolutely love this song. Really takes you to another place beautifully.

[@giseleguedescolombo2404]

Música esplêndida.❤❤❤

[@kimhayes3323]

So grateful to you, Marketa Irglova and KCRW for bringing this incredibly beautiful tune into my life! I grew up in South Lake Tahoe, CA and have similar childhood memories of the grace of nature. Thank you for brining me back on this busy rushing work day!

[@lisalazarczyk8426]

So pure and beautiful with simple heartfelt emotional authenticity. May God bless this beautifully and singularly gifted artist. ❤🙏

[@mariabluum7637]

Just found this song, absolutely breathtaking 💚🌿

[@johnlloyd3279]

What an astonishingly beautiful piece of work. I'm on an Airwaves playlist, preparing for this year's festival and that's how I found this wonderful song. Takk fyrir!

[@kristinahasonova5408]

Krasne. Dekuji.

[@kathrynjaneway1999]

Such a wonderful fragile tune. Everything around me looks like crystals in an enchanted forest. Thank you so much for this musical journey in my mind

[@elastidoryfiona]

Everybody should listen to this one today ❤

[@abhiyendersingh619]

Love love and love

[@j.douglasalves]

Só beautiful... Uma linda canção e um lindo vídeo. Obrigado, Marketa. Saudações do Brasil ❤️

[@Cate5244]

I love your music. It's so delicate and sensitive.

[@katjavonbauske]

I love theis so much ❤️ thank you 😍🙏🏼✨

[@marthaalicialunameneses8135]

💜Que belleza 💜valió la pena la espera💌

[@ineswitt]

I love this song!!! ❤️✨🧚 Thank you 🙏 🧚✨❤️

[@sergeyandrievskyi911]

Божественная 🙏❗

[@martinatrefna4540]

Nádherné 🥰❤

[@alenasiskova7869]

Krásné😍

[@Joao-gl4pp]

Wonderful Melody with much sensibility! Gratitude for inspirations and good vibes.

[@ecolivingsk]

Veľmi krásne. Krištáľovo krehká a nádherná skladba.

[@ivetahlavenkova894]

Beautiful.

[@feyer100]

Drahá Markéto, prosím tě vydej už konečně novinkové album. Děkujeme!

[@rafaelmoraes5165]

please Marketa, come back with The Swell Season, we need you :~

[@sluneckosedmitecne2309]

Nádherné Markétko..

[@mariakuranova1681]

Krásna pesníčka 😍

[@raflialvarolingga73]

This is so beautiful and i cant wait for your new album

[@bishoythegreat1734]

Look who is back ❤️❤️

[@Juntosomos1emCristoJESUS]

Marketa eu te amo muuuito!!! Deus te abençoe. Beijos do admirador Fábio Henrique do Brasil.

[@laurentfredericgil5433]

There is marketa and the other current female singers well below. Pure emotion

[@Juntosomos1emCristoJESUS]

Tem todo o meu respeito. Parabéns Marketa Inglova. Beijos de Fábio Henrique do Brasil. Paz e luz.

[@danadanihelova3741]

🤗🤗🤗❤nádhera! Nech sa Vám darí!!!

[@joxeyamuza]

Que canción y que música más hermosa... Me encantó... Saludos desde Andalucía.

[@tonycarro1359]

¡Hermosa canción, hermoso el video, exquisito como todo lo que haces, profundo y sensible!. ¡Eres una artista increíble Marketa, gracias por tu arte!. Fuerte Abrazo desde Uruguay

[@marikacuhova7085]

Nádherná, dojala mě ♥ Děkuji ♥

[@ck_on_bassguitar]

❤❤❤ to playfullness n spontaneity!

[@fthrms]

beautiful song

[@AddisonHollands]

Beautiful!

[@cichawoda1599]

Lovely voice ❤️

[@SDugan52]

Your words are brilliant ❤️

[@milkachmelarova5223]

Prekrásna pesnička...

[@christiann9961]

10 minutes of eargasm, thanks.

[@fredericokeyser5628]

I'm in complete Awe

[@misstouzet3869]

lovely, tank you !

[@loeuvrededieu]

Beautiful

[@kevinflynnn6720]

waiting for your new album❤️❤️❤️

[@RodrigoEiles]

Wonderful!!!!!

[@CaleAnderson]

Beauty filled.

[@MyGrainne]

Love it

[@virusoiul]

are the two angels yours? they look so much like you, especially the older one, there are as beautiful as this song, keep promoting freedom and enjoy life >:D

[@berg0002]

I found your beautiful video clip in my search for meaning of the term quintessence, which is used in modern physics to describe the fifth fundamental field of force which we have not yet measured and/or identified yet, but which seems to describe the remaining 70% of energy in the universe. Your video clip reminds me of my sister-in-law, a woman with two beautiful daughters. You must be soul mates, albeit without knowing each other. I forwarded your clip to her with a kind personal note. She will watch it this evening. Thank you for sharing and my compliments for the essence of the song, which gives me vibrations of grace, love and beauty. I wish you and your wonderful family much love, from a father of 6 children in Bosch en Duin, the Netherlands.

[@sla-9398]

Brilliant🤩

[@herdisfinnbogadottir4920]

Beautifull ❤️❤️❤️ hope love just wonderfull thank you 💙🙏🏻💙

[@JaneWillowMusic]

This is so wonderful

[@shanekeogh4740]

A beautiful person!

[@BohacMartina]

andělská jemnost, souznění s přírodou a vesmírem, čistota, a já prožívám něco krásného, když poslouchám vaší hudbu. Děkuji

[@deborahsiahaan9261]

BEAUTIFUL!

[@isparshmehta]

awesome... lots of love

[@angh6]

lovely

[@serdarileri]

Great

[@palominokid3002]

please come to Portland, OR in 2021

[@JavenarchX]

Emiliana bought me here

[@dana-8052]

❤❤❤

[@mariaholubova2039]

💞🙏💞

[@Joao-gl4pp]

This music remenber the sweet pleiades home.🙏😙

[@holdonamomentfoto9044]

♥️♥️♥️

[@radovanvorisek6609]

Stávala je tak Stávala jen v rozhalence od radosti k bolesti a vítr volal v božím mlčení „zpátky“ Zůstávala všechna další kokrhání až za strání zapadalo slunko „ty za obzor můžeš, ale co já“ Je v tobě smutno Jen cosi světlé drží tě Tajné věno uvnitř rozsvíceno mezi samotami všemi Potok ševelící pod olšemi

[@elkag.9664]

🌏❤🧡💛💚💙💜🙏

[@ErinChanel]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@biancaturner725]

The Web sister brought me here

[@themadcap.laughs]

❤️