Shetland

A self-directed research residency in Shetland (West Mainland), 2017

This residency, undertaken jointly with printmaker Julia Manning, was made possible through the kindness of Janette Kerr PPRWA, who kindly lent the artists her Shetland croft and painting studio. Spending time at this extremity of the British Isles has influenced the development of Sara’s ongoing ‘Rock’ series of works. The ferocity of the sea storms which deposit rocks from the ocean up onto the Shetland west coast hills starkly contrasts the cliff erosion encountered elsewhere along British coasts and speaks powerfully of the force of the sea and the vulnerability of island life.

Residencies undertaken in different locations simultaneously present the artist with regional peculiarities and distinctive characteristics, together with universal experiences and encounters. These are the dynamics which Sara has brought back to the studio for further exploration and translation into new works, specifically the ‘Thrown Rocks’ series of works.