Kat Harbord is a photographer whose practice centres around human connection to land and place.

This image is taken from my 2020 project "why may we not have our heaven here", a multi-sensory exploration into the English and their complicated relationship with the land.

 

Discouraging our tendency to embrace skewed romantic ideals, it seeks to celebrate the realities of the country’s rural tapestry and embolden a more grounded, truthful respect.

 

It suggests the importance in becoming aware of the cyclical, interconnected nature of life and the world around us, and with this, looking to our often ignored folk past to recollect, find answers for the future, and become more contented with our national identity.

 

This work was created with the belief that through reestablishing a path to our collective history as a nation or region, we can find holistic answers to current issues whilst also becoming more fulfilled both individually and collectively.

 

This project was cut short due to the first lockdown, however I feel the pandemic has given its own context to the work, as comfort and solace has been found in natural spaces for so many during this time. As we have all been restricted to our homes, the wider concept of home and collective belonging is an interesting notion. 

Digital Ink-Jet Print on Satin. 

59x42cm

Oak Framed