In this photographic series, Jessica explores being and not being in nature through reflection, making visible the traces of experience which stay with us after walks and journeys into those wilder spaces our locality has to offer, with handmade paper.
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Between Here and There
“My practice explores human relations with nature, often taking me outside to explore natural spaces in experimental ways. I am, however, new to Kendal and have found that a slowness and reflectiveness was required in approaching this new place, a sensitivity to the landscape.”
The Helm
The Helm
The Helm
There is a depth to the nameless colours of distance,
and a confusion cast by the sense of proximity this brings about.
But here a clarity,
caught between earth and weather.
Light cuts through momentarily,
reaches your body and holds you arrested.
The Helm
“In exploring my new locality, I have made repeated walks to those wilder spaces local to me – Scout Scar, the Helm, and Serpentine Woods, gradually becoming familiar with these landscapes and feeling more able to work in these new locations. I began to gather material- things fallen on the ground such as leaves, twigs, feathers. I also began to collect words – thoughts whilst out walking and deeper reflections on my return home. Over time this collection has grown, and I have combined these materials, connecting the experience of being out in nature with the return home to human life.”
Scout Scar
Scout Scar
Scout Scar
Cold forces movement and you have entered a dance with this place.
Hair blows coolly, lilting and flicking
without sound.
Your soft cool inhale joins this dance.
Finds a pattern of its own and settles in time.
Each breath invites more cold.
Scout Scar
“From the organic material collected, I made paper by hand which incorporates these materials, and from the words, I wrote short reflections of being in these places. I have combined these into objects, with the words from each location being written on the paper made from materials collected in that location. These written papers are now located in my house and act as physical representations of moments shared with nature in these wilder spaces – the traces of experience which remain with me beyond the walk itself.”
Serpentine Woods
Serpentine Woods
The closeness of the two trunks is surprising
A sharing of earth and of air.
Roots spill and limbs cling, claiming earth,
but there is no contest here, it is not combative.
A slight lean and invitation of space between
Intimacy allows for breath, comfort.
Serpentine Woods