Using photography and videography, I show how inspirational and meditative the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature is. My work shows concern with women’s relationship with our natural world. Using video and still images, I record women living and adventuring in wild places. Through my work I aim to inspire and relax the onlooker encouraging them to engage in and experience the wilderness.
Having a deep personal respect for the natural world and a belief that nature can heal us informs my research and outcomes. I truly believe that living closely to the earth is the one thing that will save us, physically and mentally. I am interested in the idea of rewilding ourselves alongside rewilding the land. The inspiration and solace I receive from the right to roam freely in Scotland is shown.
Alongside protecting the environment my second inspiration is womxn. I record the activities of a group of womxn narrating their adventurous free souls as they revel in the freedom of mother nature. I have deep admiration for womenkind and believe there is a lot to learn from them and particularly the ways they interact with the earth. The differences between feminine and masculine energies and attitudes to the wild are an ongoing interest. Womxn generally work with the environment whereas masculine energies can sometimes try and conquer it. Nature is often described as female and there are countless myths and legends surrounding this.
In my photographs I use light to represent the peace and joy achieved through personal meditation. The resulting sense of grounded calmness alongside sparks of joy is something I try to express through my video. My work shows a duality of engagement - with outdoor physical activities, (climbing, swimming, surfing, skiing) alongside the reflective and spirituality of meditation. My intention is to show how these symbiotically sit together using light as medium – while endorsing the power of female companionship and adventure.
