My residency was split into two periods; spending an initial period of four weeks between mid-August and mid-September 2022. Returning at the end of March 2023, I spent ten days when there was still a scattering of snow on the tops and the bracken was less abundant.

I used my time to undertake walks both on the Reserve and around the wider Ardtornish estate. It was a great pleasure to accompany Steve Hardy, the Reserve Ranger, on some of his regular monitoring walks on the Reserve. Steve has such a vast knowledge of the flora and fauna and geography of the area.

My work is concerned with finding ways of recording journeys and my response to being in place so I relished the opportunity to spend lots of time exploring without prescribed routes or timetables.
One of my main aims for the residency was to spend some time reflecting on my practice and seeking news ways to work with materials which are more location specific from using methods that are rooted in place. The rich variety of habitats, the amazing isolation and variety of landscapes presented me with so much to stimulate me into a new direction.

I spent time gathering naturally occurring pigments and textures, including charcoal from campfires around Arianas and peat runoff from the hills. I then worked directly with these in my sketches.
The residency culminated in an exhibition of my work at The Resipole Studios, Ardnamurchan in September 2023.

You can read more in depth thoughts on my time at Rahoy on my Instagram feed: @debbie.loane