Alastair Swan: Hidden Ayrshire

Coodham Loch

Part of the ‘Points of View’ Art Strategy for the Woodland View hospital, is a commission for Landscape Photography.  Capturing the natural beauty of Ayrshire’s varied landscape is the broad intent of the entire Strategy, which is encapsulated in this photography commission.  The therapeutic benefits of access to landscape, both real and through imagery, are well documented. What this commission aims to do is to present beautiful images that fulfill the therapeutic aspect, but also create a sense of place, through the familiarity of the landscapes portrayed.

 

The commission is currently being undertaken by the local photographer, Alastair Swan. It will result in a large photographic print of the sea at the entrance to the building, a large light box with an image of an Ayrshire river in one of the waiting areas and the ‘Hidden Ayrshire’ series.

 

‘Hidden Ayrshire’, will result in twenty photographic prints, installed across the building. Subjects for the photographs have been identified from suggestions submitted by patients and staff who were invited to nominate their favourite locations throughout the countryside of Ayrshire and Arran. These were encouraged to be areas known to local people, rather than iconic sites already widely known.  Locations will reflect an even geographical spread throughout the area as well as a range of seasonal moods from different months of the year. 

Bluebell Path, Culzean

Alastair has been working hard to meet the challenge of this Commission since Spring, 2015, a particular challenge being presented by the vagaries of this summer’s wet and windy weather. Thankfully, at the time of writing, we are now enjoying something of an Indian summer and Alastair’s camera is capturing an impressive display of autumnal tones.

 

To raise public awareness of this hospital initiative and to promote community involvement, Alastair is also conducting a number of workshops with local Camera Clubs throughout the area.  The photograph shows Alastair (on the right) being greeted by Robert Pollock, president of Kilmaurs Camera Club, at a workshop on September 21st.

Alastair and Robert Pollock