Folded

The subjects explore and reflect on their connection between self and their local landscape; each selected a location in which to be photographed that resonated with them personally.

This project was undertaken and created with young people during a unique moment in history which has enforced stillness and a much slower pace of life, allowing them to absorb their immediate surroundings more closely than ever.

Lily, 19, Settle. 

Gap year between school and University.

Upper Settle feels like a completely different place. It is so quiet and feels like a step back in time with the cobbled streets and old houses. It’s just a really lovely place to come and sit and get out of the ‘hustle and bustle’ of the town. In the last year I’ve really come to appreciate how varied the countryside is around here. I live between the Yorkshire Dales and the Forest of Bowland, and even within those areas the environment changes so much. I always thought I knew where I lived well but I don’t think I’ve even scratched the surface and I don’t think I could ever get bored exploring round here.

Evie & Kiera, 16, Bentham.

Starting College in September. Working in the White Scar Caves Cafe.

Living in Bentham has made it very possible and easy for us to meet new people and realise how many people are very friendly and say hello when walking past you. I think this has encouraged us to be chatty and love getting to know new people.

Madonna, 18, Bentham. 

Gap year, working (painting & decorating). 

This year I have learnt lots of new skills whilst painting and decorating. I grew up in the area and have fond memories of Bentham from when I was younger – I did dance lessons here. I am excited for the future because I hope to be starting a profession in nursing. Recently I listened to some nurses talking about what is important to them in nursing which I found inspiring. They really portrayed their passion and hardwork they put in their career.

Hannah, 23, Waberthwaite, Cumbria. 

Freelance writer, researcher, camera assistant and video editor. Creates and records music; signed to a small record label called Reckless Yes.

I grew up in London, and only moved to Cumbria in 2019. I moved up with my fiancé because we got sick of living in an overpriced, overcrowded property. Now I live in Copeland, a place that is less touristy and a lot more wild. On a bad day, the landscape can look quite frightening, with the miles of grey/brown crags, Sellafield looming in the distance and roaring wind. On a good day however it looks like the most beautiful place on earth. Although I love Windermere and Hawkshead, Waberthwaite feels like a magical place: uncharted and unforgiving but with an awful lot to offer.

Ella, 25, Lancaster/Kendal. 

Learning and Engagement Officer for Lakeland Arts.

Abbot Hall Art Gallery is one of the venues I work at for Lakeland Arts. It’s quite a discreet building despite its history and its size. I suspect it might be many other’s favourite secluded spots in Kendal. I sometimes sit by the steps during my break and people-watch passers-by on the river path. Recently I chaired an event with a panel of young creatives in Cumbria, about what it was like forging an arts career in the area, exploring its opportunities and its challenges. Listening to them speak and seeing the enthusiastic reception of the audience inspired me to be hopeful about the future of the arts and culture sector here. I think the county is enthusiastic for change, particularly after the last 18 months.

Abbi, 25, Tebay. 

Historical costumer, historical interpreter, studying a DipHE in Social Enterprise Leadership with the University of Cumbria and Brathay Trust. Working for a local co-operative growing and delivering organic, locally grown veg.

I’ve really found a connection with the rurality of where I live, and the lives of the people who lived here before me experiencing that same rurality. There’s a strong sense of community in smaller villages like mine and it’s so cool to be able to talk to older people who have lived here all their lives and learn what’s changed and what hasn’t and what life was like for them in their youth.

Annabelle, 16, Settle.

Year 11 and studying for GCSE’s.

As simple as it sounds, you can see the whole of Settle from up there and more on a good day. It makes you appreciate how beautiful this part of the world is and how lucky we are to live in it.
Also, I used to climb there when I was younger and my dad would often take me and my sister there to play. Upon this it was one of the last places I hung out with one of my close friends before they moved back to New Zealand.

Rosie, 17, Settle. 

Final year of A-levels at Settle College.

The predominant rock type in this area is limestone, however, if you go down watery lane and up the hill past Lodge farm, there is a small sandstone outcrop. Because I am a complete nerd, this geological misfit really excites me! With the rock type the landscape changes, and there is a tiny area of moorland, that you just don’t see around here! Further along in there is a little outcrop of sandstone rocks, they’re not great for bouldering, but they look so cool, and weird in this landscape. I think I like it so much because I feel like a bit of a misfit too sometimes.

Marisa, 24, Kendal. 

Co-Producer of Folded zine, artist and yoga teacher.

The Serpentine Woods has seen many transitionary periods of my life. Recently, I’ve been spending more and more time there due to lockdown restrictions and craving the sanctuary of nature. The woods is where I feel at home, sometimes more than when I’m in my actual house. It is a place where I feel connected, somewhere I feel strong, free – most like myself. I’m a girl of the hills and lakes, so the landscape has definitely shaped who I am. The fells impress themselves into part of your soul and if you’re ever away from them that part of you aches.

Tilly, 18, Hellifield.
Final months of Sixth Form College.

I’ve lived in my village my entire life, and I think sometimes I take where I live for granted. But some days the light will catch the hills in a different way, or I’ll look at a place from a different angle and I can’t believe how beautiful it is. There is a lane that goes right from my front door straight into the hills, and every single time I walk up there I find something new to see and it’s kind of magic.

Instagram: @julietklottrup