Gayle Hallowell

It is well recognised that the garden and other green and blue spaces can be places of sanctuary for many individuals. These areas improve physical and mental well-being and exposure is being ‘prescribed’ on the NHS.

The importance of colour and its impact on emotion has been studied for over 200 years. This impact depends on its situational context, but in the garden: reds, yellows and oranges trigger happy and energetic states; blues, greens and purples create serenity and calmness; pastels create peaceful thoughts and complementary colours invoke excitement and drama. 

I have a strong connection with the water, plants and vegetables within the garden, having positive childhood memories of spending time there with my father. It is now my place of sanctuary and oasis. Through these images, I aim to show beauty and mystery of this space whilst leaving some interpretation to the viewer.

I used a medium format camera to capture the detail and colours within the garden, some of which were lit and shot in situ and others were photographed in studio conditions. These images were then composited and reflected in one of two water features in the garden used as frames. Music composed and played on the harp accompanies the pieces to provide a meditative experience.