Some photos from my trip to Islay at the beginning of September - the landscape completely blew me away and every single part of the island we visited seemed to have a different toplogy and weather system! The colours and textures have provided me with some rich primary souce material to work from in my creative practice.

 I bought Kate Davies' book Inspired by Islay when I was there, from a remote croft and craft shop on the island. The woman who ran the croft and shop had many stories to share about her time on Islay, her sheep and the yarn she produces and dyes herself with lichen and local flora.

The book is predominately a knitting pattern book, but there are a few essays accompanied by some wonderful photos. 'Handcraft in Islay' by Susan Campbell outlines the history of textile crafts on the island, and also details contemporary Islay craftspeople.

References:

• Burns, R. (2017) Islay 1-6. (Own Collection)

• Davies, K. (2017) Inspired by Islay. Edinburgh: Kate Davies Designs.

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