This project is inspired by a desire to explore and showcase the vital role hydropower plays in addressing the urgent challenges of climate change. As the world grapples with the need for sustainable energy solutions, hydropower emerges as a reliable, renewable resource with a rich history and a promising future. While significant technological advances have been made in this field, there remains a crucial need to raise awareness about hydropower’s environmental benefits and innovative approaches, such as small-scale installations and fish-friendly turbines.
By focusing on hydropower, this project aims to contribute to the broader conversation about sustainable energy, highlighting its alignment with global efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and protect ecosystems. The objective is to create a visual narrative that not only informs but also inspires, encouraging viewers to recognize hydropower as a positive force in the transition to a more sustainable and resilient future.
Initially, the project set out to photograph and preserve the landscape of Loch Lochy before the Cruachan expansion altered it. However, it evolved into an exploration of water as a medium to showcase its unseen energy through abstract photography of kinetic movement. Experimentation played a crucial role in discovering the right visual approach.
When the speaker I used to create water movement broke, I quickly sourced a replacement to ensure the project stayed on track. The scope of the project expanded further with a visit to the Dinorwig Power Station in Wales. Although bad weather initially hindered my hike up the mountain, allowing extra time for multiple attempts ultimately led to success.
Despite the temptation to shift focus to slate and the mine's history, I remained committed to exploring water and hydropower, staying true to the project’s original inspiration and its emphasis on these vital resources.
My approach to creating images is focused on capturing viewers' attention through inspiration and intrigue, rather than relying on shock value. I aim to enrich my work with a multi-layered strategy that fosters meaningful connections.
To achieve this, I incorporate thoughtful details that provoke reflection, encouraging viewers to contemplate the profound impact of hydropower on both landscapes and communities. I believe that these subtle yet significant elements allow for a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Emotion is also a crucial aspect of my work. I strive to evoke feelings of admiration for the natural world, respect for engineering ingenuity, and nostalgia for industrial history. By crafting emotionally resonant images, I aim to leave a lasting impression and encourage viewers to connect more intimately with the themes I explore.
In addition, I take a collaborative approach to engagement. Through both physical and virtual exhibitions, I create immersive experiences where viewers can interact with my images. These experiences are enhanced by audio recordings, tactile elements such as slate, and informative displays. I encourage dialogue and exploration, inviting viewers to uncover the layers of meaning embedded within my work.
By employing these strategies, I aim to create images that not only capture attention but also inspire viewers to pause, reflect, and form meaningful connections with the significant themes of hydropower and its impact on our world.
Looking ahead, I plan to advance this project with additional site visits and by creating an installation that showcases the project's progress. This installation will feature immersive elements like audio recordings of water, panoramic site images, and physical displays of slate. Accompanying these will be a comprehensive booklet that offers further insights into my photography process and project details.
The culmination of this project will be a fusion of visual art, photography, and sound, providing a sensory-rich portrayal of hydropower. By bringing the unseen energy of water to the forefront, this project not only highlights the beauty and power of natural resources but also underscores the importance of sustainable energy solutions.
