“I think we are very lucky, to have this, with the water, and the skies.” Jean Allan
As I’ve come to know the Findhorn area, I’ve been captivated by the ever-present elements of water, wind, and light. They shape the experience of being here, shifting with the seasons. This interplay has not only inspired my work but also deepened my connection to the area.
My Findhorn Bay Arts residency culminated in a screening of a new two-channel video piece, Water, Wind, and Light, at the James Milne Institute (JMI). This event also featured the final creative-making workshop of the residency—a celebration of the natural world we inhabit together. The film was a labour of love, crafted from the heartfelt words and conversations I shared with my core collaborators: Irene Hunt, Audrey Mowbray, and Jean Allan. These local residents, whom I met during the coffee mornings at the Findhorn Village Centre (FVC), provided invaluable insight into life in this dynamic environment.
The voices of my collaborators were interwoven with readings of poetry by local writers Andy Allan, Patricia O’Shea, and Lesley Jones, as well as contributions from artist and designer James Chitty. Together, their reflections and creativity shaped a lyrical story of the area and formed the narrative structure for the film.
Workshops Rooted in Nature
“I like colour, I love the colour.” Irene Hunt
Invited to the residency to explore the natural world, I was drawn to the idea of seeing and hearing this landscape through the voices of those who live within it. To facilitate these conversations, I hosted art-making workshops at the FVC, each inspired by the elements that surround us—water, wind, and light.
We chronicled our explorations in handmade notebooks, filling their pages with discoveries and creations. From paper marbling to kite-making, cyanotypes to natural inks, and wind catchers to diffusion papers, we engaged in a variety of hands-on processes. These activities not only celebrated the chaotic beauty of the elements but also opened space for organic, heartfelt conversations about life in Findhorn Village.
Celebrating the Natural World
“Sounds. Quite often here you stand outside and you can hear the water, from the firth, onto the stones.” Jean Allan
“I just like looking at the sea.” Irene Hunt
Inviting others into creative exploration has always been a passion of mine. Throughout the residency, I extended this invitation by hosting flag-making workshops at various local events. Equipped with tools for gel plate and lino block printing, I encouraged participants to design their own flags and share their personal stories of celebrating the natural world.
For some, the inspiration lay in the playful bunnies inhabiting their back gardens; for others, it was dolphin sightings or the shifting hues of autumn leaves. Each flag became an expression of gratitude for the environment, and together they formed a colourful installation outside the James Milne Institute. On the day of the screening, these flags created a joyful atmosphere of celebration and community.
A Shared Journey of Discovery
“It’s the things that constitute life on earth. That surrounds us. In the air that we breathe, and the light that makes us and our food grow, and the water that keeps us alive, and the soil where everything we eat derives from.” Audrey Mowbry
This residency has been a profound journey of experimentation, collaboration, and discovery. It allowed me to share in the creative process with the people I met along the way, exploring how we collectively view, interpret, and experience the Findhorn area.
From poetry readings to heartfelt reminiscences, from painting to printing, we found countless ways to express the connection we feel with the natural world. Seeing Findhorn through the eyes of others, while celebrating our shared yet diverse experiences, was a gift.
In the end, this residency was about more than just art – it was about connection. To the land, to its elements, and to the people who call this place home. Together, we celebrated not only what is seen but what is felt: the profound, ever-changing beauty of water, wind, and light.
Eve Mosher
November 2024
