Outlandia

From a vantage point high up on the side of Glen Nevis, Outlandia is suspended in dense spruce forest, it is the perfect place to work in solitude and immersed in the environment. As AIR (artist in residence) for one week, I am lucky enough to call this space my studio for the next 7 days.

The wind & sleat drove on as I climbed higher up the track leading to the otherworldly-ness of the walkway which meanders and disappears into the forest to Outlandia.

Yesterday, just before dusk I brought some of my materials up here, knowing that I would have to bring a similar pack with me today. The climb up the hill was rewarded by a beautiful journey through the forest and the total calm of this artists space. The constantly changing, weather, light & colour are the prize.

Using a mixed media & a broad palette I made work which was an immediate response to the constantly changing environment.

After 5 hours of observing & working in the ever changing weather, I decided to come down from the tree house and explore the floor of the glen. Working only in sketch books as the weather had deteriorated. ( I'll post some of those images tomorrow).

I enjoy working in extremes of weather as it allows my mind to focus on my work while my body deals with the extremes. Today that was the intense cold but I specifically chose these dates to work here as I hope it will mean I can create work of integrity.

My brief for this residency was quite broad and my main aim is to work in my usual way (en plein air, mixed media, printmaking & notemaking) but exploring this environment which is very different to that which I usually work from. I am as ever constanly aware of the history, geology and the impact that man has had on these places and those things are integral to my work.