Joanna Halpin's connection to nature is evident in both her work and way of life. As a model and photographer, she draws inspiration from the landscapes that surround her—guided by a deep reverence for Mother Earth and her beauty. 

In celebration of Earth Month, she thoughtfully shares three works that reflect her relationship with the land and sea, and the ways they continue to shape her perspective on the world.

(READ) The Overstory by Richard Powers

When I first read The Overstory by Richard Powers, I wanted everyone to read it so I could keep talking about its beautifully woven storylines and keep thinking about the deeply profound feelings I was left with. The story centers around multiple characters, each connected to trees in unique ways. It weaves their personal lives into a broader, interconnected narrative about the natural world—its fragility and resilience, and the need to protect it.

The book explores the intricate and often overlooked connection between humans and trees, and it made me think about the beauty and complexity (or simplicity) of our planet. It completely transformed how I think about the intelligence and importance of trees—we all grow up knowing trees are important, but this book challenges the idea of trees as a passive resource and presents them as vital, interconnected beings that shape our entire ecosystem and bear witness to humanity.

It made me think about how we so often neglect the slow, steady beauty of nature, and gave me a much deeper sense of appreciation for our beautiful planet. The Overstory is a powerful meditation on the interconnectedness of life, and I would encourage everyone to read it for how beautifully written and thought-provoking it is.

(WATCH) Flow by Gints Zilbalodis

I recently watched the film Flow and loved it for its stunning visuals and simple storytelling—and the deeper, metaphorical meanings I was left thinking about. The wordless animation follows the journey of a little black cat (and yes, I am a cat person) navigating a ‘future’ world that has been reclaimed by nature. It beautifully portrays nature as both nurturing and destructive, as the little cat discovers how interconnected all life is.

The title, Flow, feels so meaningful, as the narrative of the story focuses on water—unbroken movement, flooding, fluidity. The symbolism of water speaks to embracing the flow of life and the importance of fluidity in our day-to-day—to try to let go of control (something I often need to remind myself to do).

Similar to The Overstory, Flow made me think about how we as a species need to live in greater alignment with nature—appreciate it, respect it, and see ourselves as a part of it, rather than separate from it.

(LISTEN) The Big Ship by Brian Eno (from the album 'Another Green World')

For quite a few years now, I’ve listened to The Big Ship by Brian Eno every time I’m on a plane as it’s taking off (often on repeat, multiple times).

This solo flying ritual started from the existential feeling I get from flying frequently alone—there is something about those first few minutes of being airborne that always makes me reflect more deeply. The ambience of the song makes me feel so many emotions, big and small—from joy to melancholy, peace, calm, sadness, and wonder. I often find myself listening and looking out the window to our beautiful world below and feeling so deeply grateful and connected.

The title The Big Ship has always felt so symbolic to me while taking off and being airborne, on a journey somewhere. My husband is in the process of writing a film about a dystopian future, where the final humans on Earth have to leave a burning planet behind them. He has said, as a nod to me and my flying ritual (and our beautiful Mother Earth), he will have this song playing in the final credits.

I feel like I could never tire of listening to this song and all the things it makes me feel about my beautiful life and our beautiful planet.