The Landowner

​The pandemic was truly horrible for many people. I was determined to make the best of it, taking advantage of the restrictions to focus on what I could do rather than fret about what I couldn't. Capitalising on the lack of distractions I was able to carry out new research and to experiment freely in the local landscape. Walking along the rivers and through the forests and uplands of Southern Scotland I established a new practice using lens-based media, sound and landscape performance. It's been fascinating to delve into subjects as diverse as botanical illustration, plant morphology, folk horror, Border ballads, the politics of forestry, land ownership and agricultural economics. I'm now gathering all my preparatory work under the canopy of a new project which I've named The Landowner. I've begun this project by filming the first of a series of short films with both me and the landscape in the frame.

​I'm particularly inspired by the new generation of excellent British landscape film-makers. From a study of their work I've been led back to the the pioneering landscape artists. I'm indebted to all of them and one day I hope to be able to position myself somewhere in the middle of this rich mix. Whatever happens I can be sure of two things - there's never any shortage of landscape round here and I'm usually able to rely on myself to turn up for the shoot.

Stills from The Landowner (in progress)