SelfScapes

SelfScapes is a research cluster I have led with researchers from several other universities since 2017 that focuses on the relationship between self and surroundings in collaboration with Forestry England based at Dalby Forest. It was initially funded by internal catalyst funding (£2000) from York St John University (I was working there at the time) with a second series of events funded by Arts Council England (£10,000).

So far there have been several events:
SelfScapes 2018: February 2018 a symposium to develop ideas for artwork, July 2018 a group exhibition in Dalby Forest, July 2018 round table discussion on the artwork produced. This record contains a publication produced in March 2020 that documents the research and exhibition from 2018.

SelfScapes 2021: September 2020 a symposium to develop ideas for artwork. April 2021 a group exhibition in Dalby Forest (link to information attached). 02/07/2021 a symposium reflecting on research and artwork.

The research questions being pursued are:

In what ways can artwork enhance our understanding of reciprocal relationships between self and forest environments.

How can artwork enable new perceptions and/or sensing of forest environments?

In what ways can alternative realities and imaginative responses to the forest re-enchant our sense of both self and forest?

How can audience participation in the act of breaking be adapted to engage viewers in reflecting on their impact and agency in environmental issues?