SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT

I am committed to developing an ethical and respectful creative practice. I aim to minimise environmental impact by considering the full life cycle of materials, and exploring slower methods of making.

I choose to use local, low toxicity, repurposed, and reusable materials where possible. I also regularly borrow, share and hire resources and tools through local networks (e.g. Clachworks Tool Library, Circular Arts Network) rather than buying new. I aim to reduce my overall energy use by working in communal facilities such as the Highland Print Studio and the Inverness Darkroom. As I am based in Inverness, I can use active forms of travel such as walking or cycling to access these facilities. For workshops or events further afield and where forms of active travel are not possible, I prioritise using public transport rather than driving.

I am currently learning alternative photographic processes and incorporating plant-based chemistry into my darkroom practice. Traditional darkroom photography contributes to pollution through the use of toxic fixing chemicals and heavy metals, requires high volumes of water, and produces waste through the use of non recyclable resin coated paper.

TREES FOR LIFE GROVE

Trees for Life is a conservation charity dedicated to rewilding the Scottish Highlands, and I created the Isabel McLeish Art Grove to support this local charity.