Rob Birch Rob Birch. Artist in residence August to September 2005 I am a visual artist exploring issues and ideas around the authority of individuality in a contemporary society. Looking at the validity of reality and identity I want to place the image in an objective context that articulates a precise understanding as to the true nature of the subject. This understanding is rooted in the knowledge that the parameters of this awareness are defined by the limits of my own experience. My aim for this residency was to explore the relationship between the landscape and the local inhabitants. I approached this concept with as much of an open mind as possible with a view of making a body of work that explored this relationship in a contemporary manner, which articulated a more realistic understanding of the relationship between the local population and the immediate landscape. As an artist from an urban environment my approach to this residency was limited by the boundaries of my limited experience of being in such a different environment and working within a unique location. But it was within my remit to explore these notions as best I could. The work produced reflects a measured response to the social, political and personal aspects of life in and around Durness. I wanted to explore the way in which the local inhabitants interacted with both the environment and each other, and the way in which external factors were embraced and/or then rejected to suit the needs of the local people. In this aspect they are no different to any one else in the other parts of the country. There needs and wants are much the same as anywhere else but because of the nature and hardship of the locality it is all too obvious to experience the fine edge between validation and failure.

All work by Rob Birch