Shetland Islands Residency
6 week residency at The Booth, an artist’s retreat, overlooking the sea in Scalloway. I was invited to be in residence in spring, to coincide with Da Voar Redd Up (The Spring Clean Up), an annual event where islanders of all ages come together to clear debris brought in by the winter storms. 4,500 volunteers (20% of Shetland’s population) take part each year.
During my time at The Booth, I participated in litter picks alongside community groups, contributing to the collective effort. The bruck (rubbish) we collected was mainly waste plastic, much of it from the fishing industry. I developed a technique where I weaved the sea plastic into scrap pieces of fishing net. I also made work from natural materials which I collected on my walks, exploring this incredible island archipelago. I created a series of wall hangings that reflect the island's coastal environment and the impact of human activity.
I spent one week travelling around the islands, delivering workshops for primary schools focused on environmental issues, particularly plastic pollution. Through these workshops, children learned about the importance of environmental stewardship, while creating individual pieces of artwork for a collaborative installation.
