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"Being an artist, I believe, is both a privilege and a mission to make the world a better place." ~ Mike Maciaszek

Over the past few years, I’ve come to realize that my passion for photography has a greater purpose—it should be used to spread happiness, hope, and create positive energy. I see my images as a form of natural healing, and I believe they can have a positive impact on many others.

The idea of creating an immersive exhibition has been growing in my mind for years. I finally felt the time to bring it to life is now. When I shared the vision with my friends at Marriott Downtown Hotel, they immediately supported it, offering their help to make it happen.

I'm excited to invite you to my first immersive exhibition, dedicated to showcasing
the healing power of nature.

About the Artist:

In 2013, Mike moved to Canada from Poland, embarking on a new chapter in his life. Here, he discovered his passion for photography, which has grown year by year since 2015. Photography has not only become his biggest passion, but also a profound source of meaning in his life. Spending more time in nature, he realized the positive impact it had on his mental health. Over time, as his photography skills evolved, so did his understanding of its deeper purpose: to inspire others to reconnect with the natural world. He recognized that his talent could raise awareness about the healing power of nature and motivate people to carve out time to spend in the wilderness.

In 2022, he organized his first exhibition on this topic. Now, two years later, he is excited to present a more engaging and impactful experience with "Reconnect: The Healing Power of Nature." Thanks to the Marriott Hotel Downtown, this exhibition will be open to the public for an extended period, offering a deeper, more immersive encounter with the natural world.

What to Expect:


Attendees of "Reconnect" can expect a multi-sensory experience that goes beyond the visual, engaging sound, scent, and touch. The exhibition aims to inspire a profound connection to nature and underscore its healing power. Through this journey, viewers will be encouraged to carve out time in their busy lives to seek solace and rejuvenation in the natural world.

About the Exhibition:


The exhibition is divided into two sections. The first section features five large prints, each designed to engage multiple senses. Alongside each piece, a QR code will guide viewers to a webpage where they can read about the artwork and listen to a specially composed soundscape that evokes the scenery depicted. To enhance the sensory experience, during the opening event a physical item and a scent connected to the print will be present, immersing viewers in the scene as though they were truly there. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own headphones to fully engage with the audio component.

“Ocean vibes”
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The healing power of an ocean scape lies in its ability to calm the mind, reduce stress, and evoke a sense of peace. The rhythmic sound of waves, vast open space, and salty air promote relaxation, clarity, and emotional balance, helping individuals reconnect with nature and themselves.

Ocean Vibes
Forest.png

“Reconnecting in the forest”
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The healing power of forests and riverscapes lies in their ability to reduce stress, clear the mind, and restore inner calm. Forests offer peace and fresh air, while flowing rivers soothe with their sound and movement, helping to reconnect us with nature and ourselves for mental and emotional renewal.

Reconnecting in the forest
Winter.png

“Winter getaway”
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The healing power of a winter scape lies in its serenity and purity. The crisp air and stillness of snow create a peaceful environment, encouraging reflection and calm. Nature in its dormant state invites rest and rejuvenation, helping to clear the mind and restore inner balance.

Winter getaway
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“Mountains are calling”
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The healing power of mountain landscapes lies in their ability to evoke calm, inspire awe, and offer a sense of escape. Their vastness fosters reflection and mindfulness, reducing stress and promoting mental clarity. Mountains reconnect us with nature, grounding us in peace and tranquility.

Mountains are calling
Mountain.jpg

“Healing power of reflection”
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This image invites you to pause, look inward, and find clarity. In the stillness of nature, we rediscover ourselves and gain a deeper understanding of what truly matters.

Healing power of reflection

The second section invites viewers to participate actively with four additional prints, designed to spark deeper reflection on the importance of taking time to escape into nature. This interactive approach will help heighten awareness of the benefits that time spent in nature can have on our well-being.

"Clearing the Clutter to See Nature" 

The photograph of Moraine Lake will be partially covered with a transparent overlay (clear foil). On this overlay, various shapes and objects representing the distractions of busy modern life— such as clocks, phones, traffic signs, and cityscapes—will be drawn. These images will obscure the view of the pristine lake beneath. Visitors will be invited to physically lift the overlay to reveal the unobstructed beauty of the natural landscape.

Impact: This interactive element symbolizes the effort required to break away from the chaos and demands of daily life in order to reconnect with the serenity and healing power of nature. By physically lifting the layer of distractions, viewers will experience firsthand the clarity and peace that nature offers once we choose to remove life’s distractions.

Size: 28x35"

Moraine's Sunrise Beauty.png

"Excuses Melt Away" 
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A striking winter landscape will be presented as an interactive art piece. Visitors will be invited to write directly on the print, using markers provided, with a maximum of two words that describe the excuses or reasons they feel prevent them from finding time to escape into nature and clear their minds. These words will accumulate across the image, turning the pristine landscape into a reflection of the barriers we often create for ourselves.
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Impact: This interactive experience will prompt visitors to reflect on the personal obstacles that keep them from reconnecting with nature. By writing their excuses directly on the artwork, they are encouraged to acknowledge and confront these barriers. As the exhibit progresses, the piece will evolve into a collaborative artwork, representing a collective struggle to escape from the stresses of daily life. Ultimately, the finished piece can be auctioned or sold, with the proceeds donated to a charity that promotes environmental conservation or mental health.
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Size: 28x35”

0R9A5068-Edit.jpg

"Places of Peace" – Canadian Nature Collage with Interactive Board
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This piece will feature a vibrant collage of various landscapes from across Canada, showcasing locations known for their tranquility, beauty, and connection to nature. Alongside the collage will be a framed whiteboard, matching the style of the artwork. Visitors will be invited to write down the places they associate with relaxation, disconnecting, recharging, and slowing down.
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Impact: This interactive element encourages visitors to reflect on and share the natural locations that bring them peace and clarity. As they write their chosen places, positive memories and feelings of calm will be evoked. The board will become a source of inspiration, allowing others to discover new destinations for their own future retreats. By engaging with the board, visitors will be reminded of the importance of taking time to reconnect with nature and may even be motivated to return to or explore new locations mentioned by others.
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Size: 24x36” 

"Clearing the Lens: A New Perspective on Nature" 
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This interactive exhibit will feature a captivating image of a fairy tree, representing the magical and restorative qualities of nature. Next to the image, a board will list the many proven benefits of spending time in nature, such as reduced stress, improved mental clarity, and enhanced well-being. Visitors will be invited to wear a pair of "scratched" glasses to view the image and then remove them to see the tree again without distortion.

Impact: The scratched glasses symbolize how we perceive the world when we are tired, overwhelmed, and bogged down by the demands of a fast-paced life. The distorted view represents how nature can seem distant or less vibrant when we’re burdened by stress. By removing the glasses, visitors will experience a clearer, more vivid view of the fairy tree, symbolizing how reconnecting with nature can provide clarity, renewal, and a sense of calm. Alongside this visual metaphor, visitors will gain valuable information on the positive impacts of nature on mental and physical health, encouraging them to prioritize time outdoors.
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Size 28x35”

The Bauty of Stillness.jpg
Clearing the Clutter to See Nature
Excuses Melt Away
Places of Peace
Clearing the Lens

What artist would like to achieve:
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Through this exhibition, I want to achieve several key goals. First and foremost, I aim to raise awareness about the healing power of nature. By educating people on the importance of organizing time to escape into the natural world, I hope to inspire them to leave their comfort zones, spend more time outdoors, and disconnect from their phones and the pressures of daily life.
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I also want to share research and studies that highlight how spending time in nature improves happiness, creativity, and peace of mind. My goal is to show people that these benefits can lead to greater positive energy, which they can then share with others. Ultimately, I hope this exhibition encourages people to reflect on what is truly important in life and to realize that reconnecting with nature can significantly improve their overall well-being.

Sponsors and Partners 

Identity Ink specializes in creating a wide range of graphic projects, from small designs to large-scale installations, using the latest technology and tools. They handle projects from inception to completion, offering innovative solutions for their clients. Their work ranges from simple designs, like doodles, to monumental projects like Olympic-sized installations. Identity Ink is known for providing an exciting and unparalleled client experience, driven by a team of dedicated perfectionists who ensure the highest quality, backed by a comprehensive warranty.

The Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel has been supporting my photography journey since December 2022 and have been part of my professional journey allowing me to showcase my work to their guests. When I approached them with the idea of organizing an immersive exhibition at their hotel, they immediately agreed and offered to help make it happen. I would like to thank the Marriott Downtown Hotel for their continual support and belief in me and our shared commitment in creating a healthier and better world. 

Gravity Pull is a Calgary-based team of creative event producers, experienced in crafting B2B, B2C, charitable, experiential, digital, live, and hybrid events. They dream big, producing spectacular events not only across Canada but also internationally, catering to diverse industries. 

MADTI,  offer their services to private and public service providers and non-profit organizations who are needing a team of professionals with various expertise in technology, innovation, and accessibility to help them modernize their business while building an accessible and inclusive environment for their clients, customers, and employees with Complex Communication Needs.

Jarod Judge

Is a composer born and raised in Calgary Alberta. Since 2016 he has been producing and releasing music under the artist name Joc Bodhi. He creates spiritually attuned music using a variety of instrumentation, stemming from a wealth of influence. His most recent project has been the composition of meditation therapy created around fundamental solfeggio frequencies. Jarod is creating serene landscapes of sound to target specific nerve centers in the body. This work clears the body and mind of negative energy while targeting deep set mental and physical trauma people are carrying day to day. Jarod's work has been heavily inspired by nature and the landscapes he grew up around. The mountains, meadows and flowing rivers of the rockies make their way into each of his compositions. We hope you enjoy Jarod's interpretation and composition around these 5 photographs.

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