©2009 Karen Logan
Both my BA and MA dissertations focused on landscape, latterly on a consideration of how landscape is referenced in art/photography to evoke a sense of fear, suspense and uncertainty within the viewer. The tension between notions of the safe rural idyll and the implied terror of the wild wood fascinate me, my curiosity leads to an exploration of these themes in my artistic practice.
Fortunately for me the house I grew up in was on the edge of Epping Forest and during childhood my illicit lone walks in these overgrown beech woods was a wholly positive experience and their memory lingers still. In relation to my artistic practice walking alone is still my favourite way to walk, this does involve some fear and trepidation when setting out, but it also provides a space to really engage with and notice surroundings, to have a deeper experience within the landscape and therefore the self. I’ve encountered some interesting responses to my travels as a lone female walker and this has led me to consider culture, gendered space and notions of what is considered appropriate/transgressive.
Fortunately for me the house I grew up in was on the edge of Epping Forest and during childhood my illicit lone walks in these overgrown beech woods was a wholly positive experience and their memory lingers still. In relation to my artistic practice walking alone is still my favourite way to walk, this does involve some fear and trepidation when setting out, but it also provides a space to really engage with and notice surroundings, to have a deeper experience within the landscape and therefore the self. I’ve encountered some interesting responses to my travels as a lone female walker and this has led me to consider culture, gendered space and notions of what is considered appropriate/transgressive.
