"I’ve come away from my time at Lower Leogh with so much more than just the photographs I made during my stay. We found a place and a community that we love here, we met people that quickly became friends. More than that, I remember why I do what I do, now. With the luxury of a little time and space free of distraction and pressure, I’ve fallen in love with photography again. Thank you."
“My time in the studio was invaluable, I couldn’t recommend it more. It allowed such fantastic access to a place I had been working on getting to for so long. Having a space of my own allowed me to get to know the community around me as neighbours , rather than hosts, and the freedom to also retreat and be solitary with my work, I could choose my pace and to experience the peace ,and staggering beauty of the island, as well as meet the wonderful people in it. The studio space is so well designed with views out to the sea and natural light, it was a perfect base, a space to write, draw and reflect on the project and my experience when not out shooting. The home was equally comfortable and nourishing, getting to light a fire, cook and develop daily rituals while being there.”
Photographer Giulia Savorell made a series of photographs ‘documenting daily life in isolated and self sufficient communities’ .
“I had an absolutely fantastic time on Fair Isle. I loved every minute of it and think about my time there constantly. I still check the Fair isle weather everyday and imagine what it must be like. I truly enjoyed the people I met but mostly enjoyed my time alone which is very rare and, as such, a delicious and nourishing treat. Two and a half weeks was not nearly enough time and I hope with all my heart I will be able to make it back sometime.” Laurie Reid, artist.
Joan Lennon, writer, leading a writing workshop with pupils of Fair Isle Primary.
“When an opportunity arose to spend a week on Fair Isle in a creative residency, I jumped at the chance. To enjoy peace and reflection in the place where my favorite knitting technique hails from was a gift.”
Mary Jane Mucklestone, a knitwear designer from Maine, USA worked on her book ‘Fair Isle Weekend’ when on residency.
"I had such an inspiring time and it really felt like the Island got under my skin. Lots to process and reflect, I’ll need to go back! I really felt like I had everything I could have possibly needed on the residency, the cottage itself was perfect, bright, warm, homely and had all the facilities I needed."
Ellis O’Connor, spent time on residency making drawing and paintings, both inside the studio and around the island.
“A last minute opportunity in February 2022 to undertake several weeks wild weather experience at Fair isle Studio, gave me much needed time out to reflect on future creative direction in a time of personal and worldly transition. A beautiful place to explore, and absorb inspiration enabled me to return to basic drawing and pen & ink, a rare opportunity and a much needed starting point for a new direction of sculptural clay and other 3D work. Fair Isle cannot be be compared to any other place I have been in Shetland or elsewhere. A truly magical place!” Sonje Hibbert, artist.