“TOWARDS THE WATER” – Exploring the challenges of Argyll’s environmental stewardship during COP26.

As the attention of environmental activists settles on Scotland during the 26th UN Climate Change Conference, COP26, we present a new folio of images and texts by artists and writers undertaking research in Argyll’s unique ecotone habitats which enable transition between land and sea. Their insights offer an opportunity to reflect upon the many aspects involved in climate stewardship and the responsibilities involved in using the environment’s natural resources, conservation and sustainability.

The images date from 1836 with a detail of the  etching “Dunstaffnage” by JMW Turner and engraver William Miller in which the artists depict the moment that land gives way to the unrelenting swell of the ocean waves. The tames land bears the scars of commercial industries in the image portraying Joseph Beuys, a pioneer of environmental stewardship as he stands on the shores of Loch Awe in 1971, and in the dystopian image by Alexander and Susan Maris of the future “Isles of Iona”, submerged under raised sea levels, Roc Sandford, Director of Ocean Rebellion describes how climate change has damaged his island home beyond the Isle of Mull.

Roc Sandford’s leadership in global-level activism is echoed in the research by Nina Bacos and Anna Bokstrom whose images document the COP UN Climate Change Conferences, global scale fossil fuel extraction, and community activism to unravel the complexities involved. These complexities are brought into focus by artists Laura Donkers and Susannah Rose whose durational practises illuminate aspects of land-ownership, access and expectations which shape our everyday engagement in the places of west Scotland.

We extend an invitation to you to consider the environmental blueprint of the places you inhabit, such as St Bride’s Well in Dunoon rediscovered by Alexander and Susan Maris, and the lichen prints which map the environmental conditions that surround the home of Caroline Younger, and take stock of the role they play in renewing and stabilising our collective wellbeing.

And we encourage you to take action! Start by inviting Naoko Mabon to collaborate with your own regenerative practice, and use the community-led coastal project kit that Philip Price and Seawilding can give you, and together, we can become a resilient team of climate stewards.

“Towards the Water” folio is conceived by Deirdre MacKenna and produced by Cultural Documents for the Dunoon Burgh Hall COP26 Season.

towards the water – ecotone