Background research

My current practice research project centres my commitment to climate activism within my art practice, extending my ongoing commitment to reconsider my practice as a tool to make a difference in the face of the climate emergency.

I was inspired by a trip to Orkney and the amazing Stromness Museum collection, in particular the Halkett air boat which is an amazing contraption used by Dr John Rae to explore unknown arctic waters. I was struck by the ingenuity and fragility of this venture and likened it to our contemporary need for creativity and communal action when facing global challenges. In my art practice I am exploring the metaphor of floating and buoyance as the necessary strategies for emotional resilience in the face of uncertainty for our future.

In many ways this project brings together separate parts of myself, as I initially studied physics at university, so whilst not pursuing that career I have a keen interest in science and how things work. I have also had a long and varied working life as a mental health worker, exploring many ways to enhance wellbeing, through training, listening and developing creative solutions with people. I am now paring these 2 strands with my passion for environmental issues into my art practice.

Please do get in touch if this resonates with you and you would like to discuss getting involved, or collaborating, have suggestion or are just curious to know more.

Go to Shoogly Holm page for current Orkney based art/science project and how to find out more.