The state of our kelp forests is a major concern for Fife-based eco artist, Cally Nurse. "Kelp forests play a key role in the health of our seas and the air we breathe as well as protecting our coasts and supporting an amazing array of marine life," explains Cally who started working with seaweed in 2021 during her MFA at the University of Dundee. "I usually let the natural colours of the seaweed set the tone but the vibrant red of the phone box gallery made me think differently for this project. Red is a warning colour and there's no doubt that our kelp forests are in danger. We urgently need to protect our coasts more effectively so the kelp can in turn help us to mitigate the effects of the climate emergency."
The intriguing artworks are made of washed up kelp stipes shaped into twisting forms, painted and suspended. They are combined with mirror to provide a visual connection between us and the kelp and provoke self-reflection about our wider relationship with the natural world.
"One of the main ideas behind my work is 'collaborative survival' which is a way of working together with the natural world for mutual benefit - give and take rather just take. A balanced sustainable and regenerative approach is the only way forward if we are to continue to flourish."
5 Jan- 30 March ENTANGLEMENT Solo Exhibition, , WASPS Creative Exchange, Perth 20 February Seaweed tasting and screening of Seaweed Women 4/5/6 May Open Studios North Fife - pop in to see the studio and talk about seaweed (among other things!) Saturday 29 June Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy, Screening Seaweed Women, Workshop & Exhibition 1-30 August Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther, Fife