"In January, I applied to the Shetland Arts Creative Shetland Commissioning Fund, and was delighted to be one of the successful applicants.
I am excited to be able to use the funding to take part in a multi-artform residency run in partnership between An Lanntair and Sail Britain, led by Project Curator, artist and islander Jon Macleod. ‘Muir is Tìr’, is based on the Gaelic sea-lore book, of the same name by George Macleod.
Spending time on land and sea, the expedition will focus on oral knowledge in the Anthropocene as a tool for understanding the archipelago, examining the use of mnemonics, placenames, memory mapping, ocean lore and traditional skills. Exploring the seaways and islands of the remoter corners of the Isle of Lewis, the ‘hub’ of the Shiant Isles, offering artists shared experience and collaboration, while allowing time for creative reflection, observation and contemplation.
Exploring the sea and islands, the sailing area will take in the coasts of Lewis and Harris, with a particular focus on the Shiant Isles.
I am planning to take sketchbooks and canvas material with me during the residency and will document and share my experiences during the residency.
Following on from the residency, this research will hopefully lead onto a larger body of work, and a small exhibition to give feedback on my residency experience at Mareel before the end of 2025."
Thumbnail and Banner Image by: John Carolan.
