From HNC to the High Seas: Sarah Walker’s Residency Inspires New Exhibition

HNC Contemporary Art Practice graduate Sarah Walker returns to Portree with a new body of work inspired by a Sail Britain residency in the Inner Hebrides.

Sarah Walker, a graduate of our HNC Contemporary Art Practice course, is currently exhibiting work at UHI North, West and Hebrides in Portree following a unique artist residency with Sail Britain.

As part of the Life of Islands residency, Sarah spent six days sailing around the Inner Hebrides alongside artists from a range of disciplines, learning the basics of sailing while developing her creative practice.

The residency coincided with Storm Floris, an unseasonably strong weather event in the north west of Scotland. Reflecting on the experience, Sarah said it inspired a series of works exploring themes of love, loss, fear and safety.

Using vintage nautical charts of the area, Sarah folds and manipulates the paper surface, creating patterns that reflect memory and resilience. A quote from W. H. Auden forms the title of the exhibition:

“I will love you till the ocean is folded and hung up to dry.”

Supported by the Student Development Fund, funded by RES, the residency enabled Sarah to continue her professional development after completing her HNC.

A selection of her work is now on display at the UHI North, West and Hebrides Portree centre until 30 April and is open to students and the public. She has also been selected to take part in Sail Britain’s group exhibition Following Seas at WASPS Patriothall Studios in Edinburgh from 1–3 May. Lecturer Claire Flyn commented:

“Sarah has produced a wonderful body of work inspired by her residency, further developing her skills across drawing and a range of media. The exhibition reflects her response to the experience and continues her exploration of personal themes developed during her time at UHI North, West and Hebrides.”

Find out more about studying Art at UHI North, West and Hebrides: Creative Arts