Alison Price

The Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye Final Major Project

MA Photography, Falmouth University, December 2019 Contents Page Project Description 3 Images 4 Contact Sheet 17 Exhibitions 18 Installation Plan 19 Dissemination 20 Film about my work 21 Concept Note 23 Storyboard 25 Integrated Website and Critical Research Journal 28 Feedback 30 Exhibitions 31 Film 32 List of figures 33 URLs to media and other supporting material 35 References 37

2 Project Description

"The north wind was chill, and on the upper slopes of Beinn na Cailliche we found little shelter from it. Upon Loch Cille Chriosd, in Strath Suardal, immediately beneath us, the breath of the breeze could be seen to stir the waters, and dark flurries hurried southward in unending succession across the loch." (Gordon 1929:12).

The Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye is a personal exploration of my life story through being in and photographing aspects of the landscape which allows me to reflect on my own inner life: confronting the chaos of death and destruction during my time as a police photographer; the remnants and vulnerability of my youth and the solitude of adulthood when parents are gone. I find myself drawn back to this special Island time and again and in particular Loch Cill Chriosd – a tiny, reed-filled patch of water on the road from Broadford to Elgol.

I am seeking to capture those fleeting, transitory moments that reveal the essence, rather than a simple visual or literal representation of the Island. Whilst many will see the sea, lochs, mountains and moors – the sensible properties of Skye, it is not these I am seeking but those that transcend individual experience. I am looking to capture the ‘otherness’ of its geography, the vulnerability of its ecology and its ephemeral hiddenness. Those glimpses are when Skye reveals itself to me: its mystery, fragility and resilience. However, it is more than this – I see the Island as a metaphor for me – while being very quiet, solitary and contemplative as a photographer and as an individual, I believe I am also resilient and strong in the face of the challenges life deals me.

Seeking and finding the ephemeral hiddenness of Skye, through my imagery, is an ongoing life’s work and this Final Major Project forms only a brief staging post in my quest. My current work is submitted through a number of outputs including my images in this portfolio, two exhibitions on Skye, a film about me and my work, and a newly-designed and integrated website and blog.

3 “All that we see dissipates, moves on. Nature is always the same, but nothing of Images her remains, nothing of what appears before us. Our art must provide some fleeting sense of her permanence, with the essence, the appearance of her changeability.” (Cezanne in Spira 2017: 48).

These images, a new body of work created almost exclusively during FMP, are the result of many hours spent in contemplation, observing the natural world and writing in my Journal. The Loch reveals different shapes, patterns and forms and as I gaze across and into the surface of the Loch, the real Skye emerges for a moment and then is gone.

I have chosen to present my work in black and white to simplify and reduce the distraction in my images and to better represent the depth and luminosity under the Loch’s surface. Colour can be an overwhelming visual element that dominates perception and obscures the reality of Skye.

In most of my images I have chosen a square format. The square format lends itself to a simple approach – my photographic practice of spending many hours in the landscape, allows me to think carefully about the simplicity of each composition. I want the viewer to be guided around the image, to attend to those aspects that resonate with them and to spend time contemplating the reality revealed in the photograph. The square format is contained and allows the photographer to capture the viewer and encourage them to linger. Excessive space in any direction may allow the eye to wander away from the subject and become lost in ‘dead’ space or move out of the image altogether. And finally, I believe that square format black and white photographs form a beautiful combination. A photograph that relies on tonal contrast for impact, and emphasises visual elements such as line, shape and form is, I believe, a classic and stunning realisation of the black and white image.

The sequencing of my images is designed to take the viewer on a journey through the light and shade of the Loch, through both calm and turbulent waters, and through static and dynamic movement into a visual space that is both memorable and timeless.

My work represents fragments of a waking dream and my aesthetic and shooting choices reflect this. The images capture those fleeting moments, when the heart of the Island and the Loch, offer up a glimpse of the essence of Skye.

4 Figure 1 – Price 2019

5 Figure 2 – Price 2019 6 Figure 3 – Price 2019 Figure 4 – Price 2019

7 Figure 5 – Price 2019 8 Figure 6 – Price 2019 9 Figure 7 – Price 2019 Figure 8 – Price 2019

10 Figure 9 – Price 2019

11 Figure 10 – Price 2019 Figure 11 – Price 2019

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16 Contact Sheet

Figure 17 – Price 2019 17 Exhibitions

As part of the Final Major Project, I edited and curated two Exhibitions at the premier venues on Skye - one at An Talla Dearg and the other at An Crubh.

Figure 19 – Price 2019

An Crubh Exhibition Space - 21-26 October 2019

Figure 20 – Price 2019

18 Installation Plan

Figure 18 – Price 2019

19 Dissemination

Figure 21 – Price 2019 Figure 22 - The Skye Times - 7 October 2019

20 Film about my work

This short film forms part of a strategy to identify and engage with a community of followers interested in my work. I love writing about my practice but sometimes find it more difficult to talk about my images in an engaging way. The film is intended to reveal a little about me, and the places where I take my images, and provide a personal, honest and authentic account of my Search for the Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye.

I was keen to engage a young filmmaker, recently graduated and hoping to make a career in the industry. I was lucky to find Gemma Wearing, an award- “The Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye is about winning Falmouth graduate. trying to capture those fleeting glimpses of an Island that most people never see, and I almost I produced the Concept Note for the film and worked closely with the filmmaker feel as if Skye reveals itself to me in a way it doesn’t with other people.” (Price from film to produce a storyboard and shooting list. My objectives were as follows: voiceover 2019).

1. To provide a brief and clear articulation of my photographic journey, Film available to view here: https://vimeo.com/374192997 2. Explain why Skye and why the images I make. 3.Give people a sense of the environment and conditions in which I work, 4.Provide a visual sense of the Island for those that have not visited Skye and 5.Give the audience a sense of what photography means to me, how having a camera in my hand relaxes me, and how working in the landscape calms my soul and eases my memories.

We worked on location in Skye for four days recording film segments, stills, drone footage and an interview from which the voiceover was derived. The words are mine and were unscripted - I think this helps to give an authentic and honest account. 21 Figure 23

22 Film - concept note

Elevator Pitch

In Search of the Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye will inform people about my photographic journey, practice and drivers and encourage people to view and talk about my work in the hope I can make sales directly or by word of mouth.

Background

Alison’s photography began at University taking images at music gigs such as The Stranglers, The Jam and Genesis. After leaving University she became a police photographer but the shock of what she saw led her, when leaving the service, to put the camera away for two decades. Then, by chance, she was given an early digital camera and it rekindled her love for photography – but this time shooting wildlife. She has been a finalist in both the Outdoor and Wildlife Photographer of the Year competitions and was awarded her Associateship of the Royal Photographic Society based upon her work supporting educational charities in Africa.

She now lives for much of the year in Skye – an Island whose beauty and mystery continues to enthral her. She has a rare ability to see beyond the surface of things and to capture the essence of her subject through the lens. She is now completing the final stages of an MA in Photography sponsored by the Royal Photographic Society.

Her current body of work is focused on Broadford Bay and seeks to explore and depict the ever-changing light, colour and mood of this stretch of water often battered by North Atlantic storms but also still, serene and tranquil. She also works at Loch Cill Chriosd a tiny loch on the road from Broadford to Elgol.

These semi-abstract images are intended to explore more than literal representation and reveal the reality of Skye – properties such as the ‘otherness’ of its geography, the vulnerability of its ecology and its ephemeral hiddenness. Skye is an enigmatic place where mystery forms part of its history and culture.

Purpose of the film and target audience

The purpose of the film is to provide potential purchasers with information about me as a photographer, my photographic practice, my past and current work and future plans. The film is intended to form part of a suite of information (as part of my MA Final Major Project) to include my website, blog, audio recordings about my images, an e-book and exhibitions of my work.

The target audience is those who might see my work at exhibitions or through browsing my website or blog and wish to purchase one of my images. 23 Key Objectives

1. Provide a brief and clear articulation of my photographic journey 2. Explain why Skye and why the images I make? 3. Give people a sense of the environment and conditions in which I work 4. Provide a visual sense of the Island for those that have not visited Skye 5. Provide a more detailed articulation about particular images 6. Give the audience a sense of what photography means to me, how having a camera in my hand relaxes me, and how working in the landscape calms my soul and eases my memories

Do’s and Don’t and Key Messages

1. Would like the tone to be upbeat, interesting, informal and not too serious and traditional 2. A short, but informative film 3. Visually beautiful 4. Would like to do some informal discussions with me, possibly in the field 5. Need to vary filming so clips give a sense of the ever-changing weather. Would like some windy and wet shots. 6. Would like some drone shots across the Loch and Broadford Bay. 7. Would like the film to passively encourage browsers to look again at my work and hopefully buy something. 8. Need to be clear about how the academic v commercial is managed. I need it to have a short academic element in it but, at the same time, I want to make sure that doesn’t compromise the commercial message.

Resourcing

I can provide stills of my work and could produce some video footage but don’t have a drone.

Budget

I would like a professional job and to support young and talented local film-makers.

24 Film - storyboard

25 Figure 24 – Wearing 2019

Figure 25 – Wearing 2019 26 Figure 26 – Price 2019 Figure 27 – Price 2019

Figure 28 – Price 2019 Figure 29 – Price 2019 27 Website Over FMP I have been working to improve my website in readiness for working with my community of followers post MA. It is intended to showcase both my wildlife and my more personal reflections of the natural world produced during the MA.

Figure 30 28 Critical Research Journal Research

Post MA I intend to continue writing a Critical Research Journal/Blog about my work, my practice, other photographers, and events and exhibitions I attend. This forms part of my strategy for ensuring effective engagement with my community of followers.

Figure 31 29 Feedback

“I first met Alison many years ago. She joined a workshop I was hosting and it became quickly apparent that her knowledge of the camera was significantly above average. It was then that I learned of Alison’s background in forensics photography. But there is a difference between photographs that are intended as records and those intended as art. For the former, the camera is enough but visual storytelling requires an insightful eye and a creative mind as well. And so Alison’s journey began.

At the heart of any great photograph is passion - passion for the subject, passion for revelation. And at the heart of any great photographer is mindfulness - an awareness of one’s own thoughts and feelings, the absence of judgment, and the non-attachment to a specific outcome.

In her explorations of Skye, Alison’s work reveals the depth of her growth both as a photographer and as a person. For the two things are intrinsically linked. Skye is an island that invades the senses and it is all too easy to fall into the trap of simply recording its fabulous scenery. Many photographers do just that. But Alison takes us on a deeper journey into the essence of the island – a dynamic land that is fragile yet resilient, dark yet light, isolated but very much part of our shared heritage in myth and song.

As you look through these images you will see what makes Skye and Alison’s presentations so special. Her technical skill is revealed but more so her ability to get beneath the surface of her subjects, to find the hidden stories invisible to the casual observer and, in so doing, reveal the heart and soul of the land and of herself. Through her camera we find a light that shines from within, the delicacy of reeds fluttering in the wind, and the relentless pounding of the land by wind and rain. In revealing the intensity of Skye, Alison expresses her intensity of purpose. The camera is now pointing both ways.

A single photograph captures the briefest moment but it takes more than a moment to create a compelling image. Likewise, the images Alison presents here should not be flicked through mindlessly. A brief glimpse does them no justice, just as a casual glance cannot reveal the essence of time and place. They are images that were created over time, reflections of a heart filled to the brim with life’s experiences. Stay with them a while and you will not only find the beauty of Skye, you may also find the beauty of your own deep soul.”

Chris Weston, (Professional Photographer and Fuji Champion) 2019 30 Feedback - exhibitions

Wonderful art that compels you to think. Made my day discovering Alison’s work. Thank you. (TW)

Beautiful, evocative photography - captures the essence completely. Thank you. (JJ)

Lovely photos, very clever techniques. (SH)

Powerful but delightful to feel a subtle light bringing out the features. (LB)

Incredibly stunning work - a joy! (KW)

Wonderful creative photography. Great to see a camera used to such artistic effect. (PH)

Real photography! Captures the essence of the land and sea. (JT)

Alison’s work is beautiful and each piece so individually enchanting. (RA)

Photos which get beyond the surface of Skye. Not easy to do in such an iconic landscape. Beautiful. (FBS)

I’ve often wished to be able to capture the essence of Loch Cill Chriosd. Here Alison has caught the place beautifully. (KM)

31 Feedback - film “I like the video, it’s very well shot with good use of high-production-value elements, and it’s nicely put together. I also like the story and your relationship with the wildness of Skye. What I really wanted though was to “hear” Skye, as well as see it. I would fade the background music in places and bring in the sounds of Skye - the wind in the grasses, tumbling water, birds singing, etc. I think it would make the piece even more powerful.” (CW – Professional Photographer)

"Beautifully crafted film giving a moment of insight into Alison's motivation as a landscape photographer on Skye.” (SW – Professional Photographer)

“When I look at an image, whether it be a painting or a photograph, and if it engages me I want to know about the creator. Who are they? Why did they choose this image? What do they see and what do they want me to learn from their choices? This beautifully made short video answers some of those questions or goes towards helping me understand better the journey that Alison has undertaken in her work. The fleeting images of Skye and the glimpses of Alison there become as one, as she says she does with her camera. The sensitive video is an open expression of emotion, frank but unsentimental, showing the closeness of landscape and photographer, both of them solitary, vulnerable and resilient. I found it compelling and moving.” (LB)

“This film provides a great introduction to Alison’s beautiful work. As well as being visually stunning, capturing the ever-changing beauty of the landscape of Skye, more importantly it leads the viewer through the stages of Alison’s journey from her captivation with the landscape and particularly the loch, gradually peeling away layers to reach the emotional heart of her vision and the creative force that shapes her images.” (JH)

“Skye is small but complex. It takes time and patience to discover the beauty of the island; it is an addictive occupation. Alison is one of a small group who understand the island’s complexity and she shows in this short film how strong and permanent her relationship with its special character has become in her journey to personal revelation. I encourage viewers to look further into her quite beautiful catalogue of work to see why the personality of Skye is so special, so alluring.” (RW)

“This film captures the essence and spirit of what Alison’s photography and vision is about. It takes us through Alison’s journey to explore and find the everlasting magic of Skye. Truly inspirational.” (PP) 32 List of Figures

Figure 1 Alison Price (2019) Untitled 1. From The Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye Figure 2 Alison Price (2019) Untitled 2. From The Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye Figure 3 Alison Price (2019) Untitled 3. From The Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye Figure 4 Alison Price (2019) Untitled 4. From The Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye

Figure 5 Alison Price (2019) Untitled 5. From The Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye Figure 6 Alison Price (2019) Untitled 6. From The Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye Figure 7 Alison Price (2019) Untitled 7. From The Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye Figure 8 Alison Price (2019) Untitled 8. From The Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye Figure 9 Alison Price (2019) Untitled 9. From The Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye Figure 10 Alison Price (2019) Untitled 10. From The Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye Figure 11 Alison Price (2019) Untitled 11. From The Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye Figure 12 Alison Price (2019) Untitled 12. From The Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye Figure 13 Alison Price (2019) Untitled 13. From The Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye Figure 14 Alison Price (2019) Untitled 14. From The Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye Figure 15 Alison Price (2019) Untitled 15. From The Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye Figure 16 Alison Price (2019) Untitled 16 From The Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye Figure 17 Alison Price (2019) Contact Sheet of Images. From The Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye Figure 18 Alison Price (2019) Installation Plan for Exhibition at An Crubh 21-26 October 2019.

33 Figure 19 Alison Price (2019) Installation Shot for Exhibition at An Crubh 21-26 October 2019. Figure 20 Alison Price (2019) Installation Shot for Exhibition at An Crubh 21-26 October 2019. Figure 21 Alison Price (2019) Poster for Exhibition at An Crubh 21-26 October 2019. Figure 22 Screenshot of Skye Times Online. Accessed at http://theskyetimes.co.uk/ 9 October 2019. Figure 23 Alison Price (2019) Vimeo Screenshot for In Search of the Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye Film. Accessed at https://vimeo.com/374192997 Accessed 20 November 2019.

Figure 24 Gemma Wearing (2019) Still shot on location at Loch Cill Chriosd, Isle of Skye. From The Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye Film. Figure 25 Gemma Wearing (2019) Still shot on location at Loch Sligachan, Isle of Skye. For In Search of the Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye Film. Figure 26 Alison Price (2019) Gemma Wearing recording interview with Alison Price. For In Search of the Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye Film Figure 27 Alison Price (2019) Gemma Wearing shooting time lapse images across Broadford Bay, Isle of Skye. For In Search of the Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye Film. Figure 28 Alison Price (2019) Gemma Wearing shooting drone footage on Sleat Peninsula, Isle of Skye. For In Search of the Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye Film. Figure 29 Alison Price (2019) Gemma Wearing shooting time lapse images at Ord, Isle of Skye. For In Search of the Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye Film. Figure 30 Screenshot of new Wild Reflections Website Home Page. Accessed at https://www.wildreflections.photography/ 7 October 2019. Figure 31 Screenshot of new Wild Reflections Critical Research Journal (Blog) Landing Page. Accessed at https://www.wildreflections.photography/blog

34 URLs to media and other supporting material

Wild Reflections Photography website homepage www.wildreflections.photography

Wild Reflections Photography Blog www.wildreflections.photography/blog/

Critical Research Journal (CRJ) Posts about Images https://www.wildreflections.photography/final-major-project/charting-the-journey-fmp/reflections-on-image-making-in-the-final-major-project-fmp- week-26 https://www.wildreflections.photography/final-major-project/using-the-square-image-format-for-my-final-major-project-week-25

CRJ Posts about Exhibitions https://www.wildreflections.photography/final-major-project/reflections-on-installations-in-final-major-project-fmp-week-26 https://www.wildreflections.photography/final-major-project/reflections-on-exhibitions-week-24-2 https://www.wildreflections.photography/project-development/reflections-on-my-exhibition-of-work-produced-during-the-final-major-project-week-21 https://www.wildreflections.photography/final-major-project/installation-plans-exhibitions-budgets-and-framers-week-15 https://www.wildreflections.photography/final-major-project/3620

CRJ Posts about Dissemination https://www.wildreflections.photography/final-major-project/advertising-marketing-and-building-a-community-of-followers-week-22

CRJ posts about Film Making https://www.wildreflections.photography/final-major-project/storyboards-and-teasers-week-20 35 CRJ posts about Website and Critical Research Journal https://www.wildreflections.photography/final-major-project/editing-curating-new-website-new-logo-and-business-and-greetings-cards-week-18

CRJ posts about Feedback https://www.wildreflections.photography/final-major-project/feedback-from-exhibition-and-happy-customers-week-21 https://www.wildreflections.photography/final-major-project/feedback-and-reflections-on-my-film- week-27

36 References

CEZANNE, P. in SPIRA, Rupert. 2017. The Transparency of Things. Contemplating the Nature of Experience. Oakland: New Harbinger.

GORDON, Seton. 1929. The Charm of Skye: the Winged Isle. London: Cassell and Company Ltd.

PRICE, Alison. 2019. In Search of the Ephemeral Hiddenness of Skye Film. Film produced and edited by Gemma Wearing.

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