The day is sunny but with a biting wind. I wrap up warm with the intention of spending some time writing and taking photographs. As I lace up my walking boots I realise the temperature has dropped significantly and the strength of the wind is stronger than I expected. I walk back towards the loch taking note of where the surface of the water is illuminated by the rising sun. I also become aware that the wind is churning up the water meaning that the slow shutter speeds successful yesterday will produce very different images today. Also, the colour palette today has an intensity not present when I last visited.
I am struck by the prevalence of the new reed growth and how the gentle yellow stems contrast beautifully with the deep blue waters. The loch has taken on a more menacing mood that was absent yesterday. The ethereal waters have been replaced by deep shadows and a choppy surface. Immediately my mood is impacted by the different conditions. Yesterday I felt able to dwell in a non-conscious creative flow and be wrapped up in the gentleness of the loch while today the different weather conditions give me a sense of urgency driven by a conscious focus. I had not realised before that the weather has an impact on how I engage with my subject and to what extent I am able to lose myself. The frantic and changeable conditions affect my mood and my willingness to spend time in the landscape. The choices I make about the images I share here in my Research Journal also tend to be gentle and ethereal rather than dark and dismal. Rather than being miserable in bad weather, which is easy to be here on Skye, I think it is that my style and approach are quiet, contemplative and considered – not rushed, focused and conscious. Being aware of Being takes time, engagement and a level of entanglement at an ontological level which is something that comes with intense awareness. That awareness is often preceded by a conscious focus on the senses paving the way to Being in the moment – drifting, catching a glimpse and using the unique properties of the camera to capture that moment through my intuitive practice. But more of that in the Critical Review and Reflection of this period of practice to follow.
Unsurprisingly, my practice time was short, my fingers were very cold and the tripod was being undermined by the wind. But by way of contrast here are a few images from today.
Practice Period 12.65 – Alison Price, April 2023
Practice Period 12.66 – Alison Price, April 2023
Practice Period 12.67 – Alison Price, April 2023
Practice Period 12.68 – Alison Price, April 2023
Practice Period 12.69 – Alison Price, April 2023
Practice Period 12.70 – Alison Price, April 2023
Practice Period 12.71 – Alison Price, April 2023
And whilst these images do not immediately respond to my quiet approach, they do provide a sense of contrast and the changeable nature of the Isle of Skye. And it has to be said, that is one of the reasons I was drawn to this part of the world. No two days are the same!
