From Uist to New Zealand, Laura will be talking about her experiences in the Zoom event

In keeping with the international flavour of previous Artist Talks, next month they’ll be introducing ecological artist Laura Donkers who will deliver a live Zoom talk from her base in New Zealand.

A former Uist resident with strong connections to Taigh Chearsabhagh, in talking about her work Laura says: “I’m an ecological arts professional specialising in strategic community engagement and behaviour change projects. My work promotes eco-mindfulness, mutuality, and kinship, to connect humans with the environment via the social context.

“A long-term resident of Uist, I began my art training at Taigh Chearsabhagh (North Uist) when classes first began there in 1998, and was part of the first cohort of BFA (Hons) graduating from UHI in 2011. Since then, I have attained an MFA in Art, Society, Publics, and a PhD in Contemporary Art Practice at DJCAD, University of Dundee.

“I have been fortunate to have been selected for several awards, scholarships, and national and international residencies, and have exhibited widely over the last ten years.

"As a practice-led research artist with an expanded drawing practice, I get to know environments and communities through field research methods such as drawing, field-walking, and digital recording. I develop experiential learning around nature and culture, and how it feels to be in touch with the environment, community, and self.

“My Artist Talk will be about my approach to researching and designing cultural programmes that encourage the public to ‘get out into nature’ as a way to transform perception and their connection with ecology in general.

"I will also talk about how I collaborate with local communities and stakeholders to help promote ecological responsibility and sustainability using examples of my practice in Uist and more recently in Auckland, New Zealand.”

Tickets are available to book now through An Lanntair’s booking website, via this online link.

However, it’s expected there will be interest in this event, so book quickly.