The Scottish islands have a deep and intimate relationship with the sea. Its voice is part of the cultural soundtrack woven into song and story. The sounds of the shoreline shape emotion and culture. Its music echoes through our language. We are people of the sea.

I learned recently about the Gàidhlig concept of ‘cianalas’ – the deep homesickness expressed through imagery of the sea and distant land, which is generally attributed to the Outer Hebrides. The feeling of loving connection with the Celtic landscape became very palpable while creating The Lookout, both the backstory and the artwork.