This piece taps into the world of Pepa Rosenbaum and Maria Gracia - long-time friends, collaborators, and creative forces who blend softness with strength in everything they do. Rooted between Bali and Lombok, their work is shaped by intuition, real connection, and a shared belief that creativity flows best when you’re taking care of yourself first. From surfing and stillness to music, movement and making space for blocks, their approach is a reminder that self-care isn’t separate from the process - it is the process.
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You both seem to lean into creative risks with real ease - is that something you’ve always been drawn to, or does it come with experience (and maybe a few stumbles)?
PEPA: I started working in the industry 15 years ago, and it hasn’t been an easy road—but every challenge helped shape who I am today. I’ve always been a risk-taker; that’s how I explore and express my vision. The journey as a freelancer is full of uncertainty, but I’ve learned to navigate it with confidence. In the end, it always works out. One of my proudest achievements has been building a strong personal and professional identity—something I’ve worked hard for, and something that truly represents me.
MARIA: My creative journey has definitely required taking risks - even when I was terrified to leap. Along the way, there were setbacks, creative blocks, and moments of uncertainty. But in the end, it’s all part of the experience. You learn from your mistakes, and slowly, you start building the muscle of self-trust. Today, I finally feel confident enough to believe in myself and in my vision.
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Lombok and Bali have such a magnetic pull - how do these places influence the way you work, feel, and create?
PEPA: Since I was very young, I’ve felt a deep connection to nature. I was born in the countryside of Argentina, where landscapes shaped my sensitivity and savage spirit. Moving to Bali was a true adventure—exciting, and intense. It took me some time to connect with the island, as it carries a powerful energy that demands presence and openness. Now, I find endless inspiration in its wild beauty. The raw, untamed landscapes of the islands speak to something deep inside me. But what has truly grounded me here are the real, meaningful connections I’ve made—people who now walk with me in my creative journey.
MARIA: Since moving to Indonesia, I’ve continuously met people who share the same journey - creating and embracing risks. Beyond the breathtaking landscapes that inspire me here, it’s the people I’ve encountered that have truly expanded my work. The slow living I find in Lombok, combined with the fast pace of Bali, creates the perfect balance for me creatively.
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There’s a real sense of rhythm in both of your work - when do you feel most in flow, and what helps you get there?
PEPA: As you start working on yourself and building your own path, you begin to realize that the only way forward is to follow your own line - make your own decisions, and trusting your vision. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to be selective about the people I work with. Collaboration is powerful, but it only works when it supports and protects your identity and values.I’m a huge fan of photography. I’m constantly exploring the work of photographers who make me reflect - on life, on myself, and on others. That’s where the seeds of my creativity often begin: in deep reflection. Music and travel have also been lifelong sources of inspiration. They keep me in motion - mentally, emotionally, and physically. That sense of movement is where I feel most alive, and where my best ideas take shape.
MARIA: What helps me tap into my flow is constantly thinking outside the box and drawing inspiration from the work of artists I admire. Music also brings me to a more sensitive, creative space. Before each session, I make it a point to explore references, listen to music, journal, and set the photoshoot with love - always trusting my vision.
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As long-time friends and collaborators, how does your connection shape the work you make together? What’s different about creating in community?
PEPA: María and I speak the same language - even the unspoken one. Over time, we’ve become very close friends, and she’s been a big support in both my personal and creative journey. She’s one of those rare, real connections that truly matter. When we work together, we naturally complement each other. It feels effortless and effective. She’s incredibly talented, and we share a similar sensitivity and vision, which makes our collaboration not just productive, but also deeply meaningful.
MARIA: Personally, I’ve learned a lot from Pepa. We met through work, and slowly, we grew closer, sharing so much along the way. We both share the same vision, and I think that’s what keeps our friendship - and our work- flowing in a unique way. When we collaborate, we truly understand and align with each other. We’re always exchanging ideas, creating, and trying to put a fresh spin on things to make something different.
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Maria, your work captures fleeting moments with so much tenderness. What draws you to a scene, and how do you know when to hit the shutter?
MARIA: Shooting on film feels like stopping time. With only 36 shots per roll, I have to truly connect with the moment and be fully present. I think that presence is what gives my photography its tenderness. It’s for that same reason that I chose this craft. With film, I found a way to truly connect with the creative process and really pay attention to the details.
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Pepa, how does surfing and your connection to the ocean shape the way you show up creatively - both in front of and behind the camera?
PEPA: Surfing and my work are the two most important things in my life - they’re what help me find balance. Surfing not only grounds me, it also opens the door to the creative industry. I began as a model, and little by little, I started taking creative control of my projects, moving into art direction and storytelling. I’m deeply involved in every part of the process. I work hard to ensure that what I create is true to the vision I originally had in mind. I’m a passionate person in everything I do, and I truly believe that when something comes from a real, honest feeling, nothing can go wrong.
Creativity can be both playful and deeply personal - how do you each nurture your creative energy when the pace slows down or the spark feels dim?
PEPA: If something doesn’t flow, it needs movement - that’s something I’ve learned clearly. When I sense a block, I immediately start shifting things, transforming the energy into something new. Staying aware - of myself and of what surrounds me - is essential. It’s a daily practice, a constant reflection. That awareness helps me recognize what’s aligned and what needs urgent change. It’s how I stay connected to my vision, and how I keep evolving.
MARIA: When I experience a creative block, I try to accept it and look at it from a different perspective. I believe it’s not something that can be forced. Grounding myself in my personal life helps me a lot to regain my flow. Often, I feel that creative blocks are necessary - they make space for new and different ideas to emerge.
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