This month is all about colours and nature. If nature inspires you as it inspires us, then you will be just as excited as we are about Autumn. Nature brings out our creativity in so many different ways. Every person has their own way to express themself and that is the beauty of being creative.
We got in touch with Gillian Hunt, a creator inspired by nature. Gillian and her husband Dave have their own studio, Wildgrass Studio, in Glen Lyon where they express their talent. They do workshops and exhibitions so don’t hesitate to stop by! Here is what Gillian has to share about her journey, her art and what inspires her.
What is the Big Bee Project? What inspired you?
Gillian: I have been passionate about nature since I was a very young child – preferring to be out looking for caterpillars, moths, butterflies and bees than playing with dolls. I loved (still do) my teddy bears – but was not a fan of dolls. On my ‘about’ bit on my website, I have written . . .
‘As a child amongst nature, I found a land full of magic lit with incredible peace and sheer joy. I found a place of belonging where there is no judgement, no pressure, no time limits and without realising it a place where the rest of the world falls gently into perspective. This ‘communing’ with nature has continued into my adult life and I spend time every day amongst the flora and fauna that surrounds where we live.’
I think the above says it all.
Where we lived previously at Wester Lix in Perthshire – I found myself being drawn more and more to Bumblebees and I started to photograph them in 2017 – in 2018/19 I processed the images and they became part of my latest exhibition. We then moved to where we are now in our new home of Wildgrass Studio in Glen Lyon and throughout the spring and summer of 2019, I have been busy photographing the flowers and the Bumblebees. I am now starting to process these images and they will become part of my 2020 collection for exhibition.
Why digital art?
I can’t paint or draw and found analogue photography too smelly and scary – although my husband is passionate about analogue photography. Before he turned to analogue photography, Dave [husband] had a passion for digital photography and as I watched his journey, I found myself being drawn into photography and in particular macro photography. This was back in 2007 . . . and I have been busy on my own photographic art journey ever since.
How would you describe your art in three words?
Capturing nature’s essence
What are your future aspirations?
I have discovered the beautiful Diamond Dust . . . For years I have been trying to find ways to imitate the sheer beauty that erupts when the sun reflects off of raindrops after a recent shower, or when the sun shines on frost. I have tried all kinds of glitter etc but the only thing that comes close is Diamond Dust. It is incredibly beautiful and for me, it lifts an image when the light falls on to it and re-creates the wonderful feeling experienced when seeing the sunshine on raindrops or frost. So, my aspirations for the coming year is to produce a collection of Diamond Dust images. After that who knows . . . it hasn’t been revealed to me yet!!!
Where is the most beautiful Autumn scenery you’ve ever seen in Scotland?
It depends – Scotland is so diverse. Where we live now in Glen Lyon the colours are utterly beautiful. But if you head towards Glenshee – it is a much wilder scene but equally beautiful. Then again there is amazing beauty in a single autumn leaf!
If you were to make your art outside, where would you go?
90% of my work on flowers is shot outside. 100% of my work with Bumblebees is done outside. I go wherever the flowers and the bees are.
Where to find Gillian:
Gillian’s website: www.photographybygillianhunt.com
The Wildgrass Studio website: www.wildgrass.co.uk
The Wildgrass Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Wildgrass.Studio/
Gillian’s own Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GillianHunt.Photographic.Artist/
