In my recent exploration of place attachment, a conversation with a friend introduced me to the Welsh word "hiraeth," which expresses a deep longing for home. This led me to discover its Scottish counterpart, "Cianalas," particularly poignant among the Islanders of the Outer Hebrides. This term encapsulates the emotional connections we form with places, shaped by personal histories and collective memories. As I delve into Cianalas, I aim to weave together the themes of place attachment and memory in my artwork, employing techniques such as layering and shadow to evoke the nuanced emotions tied to these significant locations. My practice will reflect how memories, much like shadows, can shift and change over time, creating a tapestry of experiences that shape our identities and sense of belonging.

Letting go of the idea that everything needs to be perfectly polished has been surprisingly liberating. Whether it’s in my art practice, where I’m starting to experiment with more freedom, or in submitting entries to this blog, I’m learning to embrace the raw, unrefined stages of creativity. I realised even my class notes - those initial sparks of thought - have value as they are, offering a true glimpse into the journey behind each piece. By sharing these unpolished moments, I hope to reflect the real process behind my work, revealing where ideas take root and evolve.

As I continue to evolve in my artistic journey, I’ve started to notice patterns in the places I choose to paint. They are rarely random, often evoking a deep emotional connection for me — whether tied to a personal memory or simply a sense of belonging that I can’t quite put into words. This realisation has led me to start exploring different theories, like place attachment and genius loci, as tools to better understand my work and, potentially, to guide where I go next.