Natural Strength
Natural Strength was created from an opportunity given to members of Phrame Wales Collective by the Senedd - National Assembly of Wales, to mark International Women’s Day 2020. The brief encouraged member to create work on the theme of ‘heroism in the everyday woman.’
In this modern world which so often feels oppressive and stifling, it is easy to feel pressured to be constantly on the go, always moving and consuming, the only thing that truly keeps me grounded, and perhaps the only thing that seems pure anymore, is nature.
When I first thought of heroism in the everyday woman, of what gives me and I know many other women strength, and the courage to carry on, I think of women’s relationships with nature, in all its modern and ancient origins. The perseverance of nature in the face of all the challenges that’s thrown at it, reminds me of the perseverance of women, now more than ever.
I owe my love of the outdoors to both my mother and father, however the older I got and the more I became aware of my place in the world as a woman, the more my relationship with nature seemed to alter also. We can’t deny that women carry a historically spiritual relationship with nature, from witches to woodland fairies and most importantly ‘Mother Nature’ herself, the nurturer, the provider, the ever-moving force.
Outside, one might recognize that the natural world was here long before us and will be here long after us, and it feels personal, and so far removed for every modern problem we face. I know that so many women before me have gone to the natural places I love and seen the same sunsets, the same Springs and starlings and have felt at peace. I wanted to convey some of that feeling through photography and make women think “I’ve felt that. It took courage for me to take that time for myself.”
On a smaller scale, nature has a way of nurturing women through our own gardens also, to grow flowers and vegetables, to cultivate, and feel like you can make something beautiful happen, something useful grow. Women are so capable of making things blossom, from children to friendships, relationships and ourselves.
Like myself, many of the women I have spoken to whilst walking through the beautiful Welsh countryside are very unsure of the future of Wales, and their place within it.
The wonderful women featured in my work are mental health practitioners, artists, leaders, teachers and so much more, and one thing we can all agree on is that an immersion in nature is beyond doubt beneficial to all-round well-being. Simply walking, encourages others to talk and open up in a more relaxed, nurturing environment, and leaves us feeling more grounded and often secure. Walking together with others builds a precious sense of community, which heals both mentally and physically.
