Artwork Description:

When a change in circumstances does not permit the usual daily sea swim, the need for a mindful 'blue' space became the inspiration for this large-scale piece. 

This residency sparked the confidence to try something new, whilst continuing to champion the environment.

Having previously worked primarily with underwater digital images, this work offered an opportunity to connect with my inner world and process emotions in a similar way that sea swimming has in the past.

You are warmly invited to pause beneath this gentle, large-scale cyanotype print. Seaweeds from a local beach have been documented, using a low-impact, sustainable process onto organic cotton, and the soft draping folds offer an opportunity to step away from the real world and find a moment of quiet.

The obvious challenge of creating 'sun-prints' in winter has been central to the work. This can be observed in some of the paler blue areas, where the weak sunlight has not been strong enough to create the classic bold Prussian Blue.

Paying close attention to the weather and really making the most of the few sunny days resonates with the inner landscape during an unsettled period in life.

The title: Winter, reflects the natural cycle of the Earth,and serves as a reminder that seasons are temporary, the tides continue to rise and fall.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and describe your artistic practice?

Hello, I’m Paula, a largely self-taught artist, living on the Isles of Scilly, in the UK.

My practice consists of photography, using sustainable methods and materials, walking, swimming, being in nature and connectedness to this place.

I am always inspired by my island home. The slow pace of living, the changing light and the sea. I did a photography course, many years ago at college but never did anything with it and only came back to photography a few years ago, when I started swimming in the sea and discovered how beautiful it is underwater. I had wanted to learn to swim for sport initially, but I get too distracted by looking around!

How has your project “Notes from Sulis Island” evolved, specifically in your approach to capturing island life through cyanotypes and photography?

My project, Sulis Island, is centred around the idea that our tiny corner of this island, is an imaginary place, rather than as it actually exists. My belief is that we all live in worlds that we create, as Anais Nin said, "We don't see things as they are. We see things as we are”. This place is both isolated and rich with possibility. This imaginary island becomes a space for reflecting on identity, place, and the relationship between environment and imagination.

The project has evolved through the residency, rather than simply sharing my inner world, I wanted to invite others to share this space for the first time.

During the residency, you continued your investigation and created an installation that replicates the feeling of being under the sea. What can you tell us about this installation and the elements that compose it?

The installation was inspired by a beautiful piece by Katie West, 'Clearing' (2018–19), that Joana introduced me to. It inspired me to create my largest piece to date.

My large-scale, cyanotype-printed organic voile, draped from the ceiling, with a cyanotype-printed patchwork quilt beneath, to allow the viewer to relax beneath the flowing fabric and find a moment of calm. The option to listen to Become Ocean, an orchestral composition by John Luther Adams, was available via a QR code on drift wood.

The work was a response to a change in life circumstances and a move away from digital underwater photography. It felt important to incorporate familiar elements from the coast and to use tactile handmade elements, to create a rich sensory experience. 

It was a challenge to create cyanotypes in such a wet, windy winter, particularly such a large piece - rinsing the fabric in the rain was not a challenge however!

The strength of the sun was so weak and for such short periods, and this is reflected in the paler, cooler blues which I feel are more fitting than the bolder Prussian blues created in summer sun.

This work involved several moments of reflection, including the challenge of not being able to go into the water and create cyanotypes during winter. How do you feel this experience has influenced the evolution of your artistic practice?

The residency experience has had an enormous impact on my confidence and practice. Joana is such a supportive, encouraging teacher. The residency came about at a time of great change within my family life, which I found challenging, but having this opportunity to channel my feelings in a supportive atmosphere had a strong influence on my practice, and I believe has led to real growth and a change in my artistic mindset.

Can you share an example of how you and your fellow artists inspired or learned from each other during the collaborative process of the residency?

My fellow artists have been hugely inspirational; the wealth of knowledge and generosity of sharing ideas and support has been such a highlight. Our weekly meetings, provided opportunities to gain an insight into each other's work, but also recognise our unique journeys into the residency. My overwhelming feeling is one of sharing and kindness in the group.

I have been deeply inspired by the commitment of the other artists and was disappointed to not be able to attend the exhibition, but watching the group project being carried forward by those able to attend provided much inspiration for future projects.

The installation invited viewers to sit beneath the cyanotype textiles “to step away from the real world and find a moment of quiet". How do you hope this experience shapes the way viewers connect with your work?

Flowing fabric naturally gives an impression of the gentle waves of the sea, and I really felt the need to create something enclosed and protective. It was clearly a response to life events, and it always felt safe enough within the group to lean into these feelings and explore how to portray this.

I hope viewers felt able to connect to the work by slowing down and sitting within the ‘den-like’ form. The work offered an opportunity to listen to music and to see my sketch book, to view my journey throughout the residency, and to step into my world, but more importantly, I hope my installation provided viewers an opportunity to immerse themselves in their own imaginations.

Art can be a deeply personal journey through your emotional landscapes, as well as a powerful agent of change. What are your thoughts about the power of art to effect change?

My installation provided an outlet to express my feelings, where I was able to analyse and process life events, and I hope that if one person was able to sit and allow themselves a moment to breathe within the cocoon of my installation, this would make me very happy.

A few of the attendees of the exhibition have messaged me to say how much they enjoyed my work. This has changed my world; as a nervous first-time exhibitor, hearing that someone that I have never met enjoyed the experience is truly amazing.

If you could give one piece of advice to future participants of this programme, what would it be?

The residency offers a unique experience for prioritising your art practice and connection; everyone has something to offer and to learn. I think I would say, be open to listening and be generous with your own knowledge; this was the real highlight for me. What a gift to meet the incredible artists from around the world and discover a tiny glimpse into their worlds through their artistic practice.

Find out more about the artist here.

Cover image:

Notes from Sulis Island: Winter (2026). Cyanotype on organic cotton voile. Image courtesy of IOAEA.