Tanera (Ar Dùthaich) is a photography project I've been working on over the last 5 years, concerning a tiny island just off the west coast of Scotland. The photographs are a ‘portrait of place’, shown through the people and the marks and effects they have on the landscape around them. Given the island’s small size, these traces often exist together, in close proximity, so you can see the effects o
f families living on the land 200 years ago, right next to what is happening today. Visually I wanted to acknowledge the romanticism of the Scottish wilderness, but contrast that with modernity- emphasising that this is a current workplace and home. Rural populations in Britain seem quite under-represented, both politically and photographically, and I wanted to present a project which encourages conversation around rural living and issues. Having made this work initially whilst living and working on the island, and through return visits since, and having grown up in a very rural environment myself, my intention was to elaborate on these difficulties and issues. I've feel very privileged to have been so welcomed by people in the Coigach area, and particularly Achiltibuie and Ullapool. I felt it was time to share the images I've been making with the people who've shared in their making. There is a two month exhibition at Rhue Art from 18th June 2017 until 25th August 2017. I also intend to fund a book of the project through Kickstarter- a crowd-funding platform. This page is designed to allow you to keep up to date with the progress of both the exhibition and the Kickstarter, and for extra associated writing, articles, features and images. Thanks for your support!
