ARTIST IN RESIDENCE ANTARCTICA
Artist in Residence
ANTARCTICA
In January 2023 I had the enormous privilege of being selected as the Artist in Residence in Antarctica by the Friends of Scott Polar Research Institute. The residency was hosted by the Royal Navy on board their ice patrol ship HMS Protector.
I was in the Antarctic region for five weeks, beginning in the Falklands, then travelling south, via the famous Drake’s Passage, to the Antarctic Peninsula. We docked at several research stations and a variety of other points of interest en-route.
HMS Protector is a research vessel and undertakes hydrographic surveys as it goes, meaning it is almost always on the move. This, combined with new scenery, strange lighting effects and challenging weather meant painting was both demanding and exhilarating. I took oil paints, drawing materials and several cameras and I also spent a lot of time observing.
I was generously allowed to use the Crow’s Nest as a studio and I worked on-land whenever the opportunity arose. With minimal phone/wifi access, no domestic responsibilities, and 24hr daylight, it was truly an artist’s paradise.
Visiting Antarctica was an incredible opportunity and, as the most fragile landscape on our planet, it was also an enormous privilege. I do not take lightly the responsibility that comes with this and I hope over the next few months/years my work can help translate the importance and value of this place.
Below are some of the small works I made on-site.
Below are some of the photographs I took
Click here to watch a short film about this residency