Holly Sandiford

Lumen print which looks like a planet created from painting soil onto photographic paper.

I am in awe of the scope of life that exists on a micro-level in the soil and how that echoes the infinite nature and vastness of space. There are more microbes in a teaspoon of soil than there are people on the earth. My alternative photography practice aims to emphasize the beautiful, living, and cosmic nature of the soil, and how we need it for our survival.

Lumen prints which look like planets created from painting soil onto photographic paper with a soundtrack created using field recordings of the river at night.

I collected soil samples and field recordings on night walks along the river Wensum, mapping the river through the changes in the soil. The soil samples were then painted onto expired photographic paper. The soils interact differently with the papers, due to factors such as PH and moisture levels. The process is unpredictable, and the images appear to resemble moons and planets. I also took photos on these walks and then buried the films in the river soil before developing them.

A sensuous engagement with nature through walking and making stills my mind and connects me to both myself and my surroundings. This is at the heart of both my alternative photography practice and my role as an arts and wellbeing facilitator. I co-direct ArtatWork CIC, an organisation that uses the visual arts to support well-being, and good mental health and have been working in this field for the past twenty years.

I am keen to use the knowledge and skills base from the MA to use the arts to promote nature connection, and to bring scientific and climate research to life.

MA Fine Art