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The ongoing Aig an Oir
projects aims were to create a unique portrait of Scotland’s Atlantic oakwoods - revealing
the importance of these internationally significant habitats for wildlife and
plants, highlighting their conservation and cultural value, as well as explaining
their history. The project was a partnership between Forest Enterprise Scotland,
an executive agency of the Forestry Commission Scotland with a remit to manage
the state-owned forest resource for public benefit; HI-Arts, (Highlands and Islands
Arts Ltd), a charity established in 1990 to promote and develop the arts in the
Highlands and Islands of Scotland; and the Society of Wildlife Artists (SWLA).
Beginning in April 2004 and concluding in July 2005, the project took place in and around
West Argyll
(Taynish and Knapdale Woods),
Ardnamurchan (Loch Sunart and Morvern oakwoods),
and Skye (Kinloch and Kyleakin
oakwoods).
Two main residencies by
groups of 8 wildlife artists for up to 10 days - comprising SWLA members,
associate members, artists selected from each of the local communities, and
international wildlife artists – took place in May and October 2004. There were further
‘floating’ groups of artists working in the areas throughout the winter.
The artists were put up in local accommodation close to the woods and the local
community. They had facilities for group working and discussion, which enabled a creative
and lively atmosphere to develop and a cohesive body of work to be initiated.
Following local exhibitions the project came to a head with a major exhibition at the Royal Botanic gardens,
Edinburgh, from the 10th September to 30th October 2005. A
book about the project
has been produced and is available for purchase from
www.langford-press.co.uk
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