Hello reading friends,
Having been a fan of Susan Orr’s photography for some time, I was delighted when she agreed to collaborate on the Haddo Reimagined project. Not only is she the best collaborator a writer could wish to work with, she’s become a firm friend. With less than a fortnight to go until the launch of both the Haddo Reimagined paperback and photography exhibition at the Haddo Arts Festival, Aberdeenshire, I’m excited to welcome her to the blog.
Please join me in offering Susan a warm welcome and discover what drew her to photography, who inspires her creative practice, and which photo-books she recommends.
Welcome, Susan; tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a mother of two teenage children, married, and share my home with our beloved dog, Skye. We live in the Aberdeenshire countryside near Haddo House, with views of the sea and Bennachie. My photography journey began with capturing moments of my family. Joining a camera club helped me develop my skills, particularly in editing images. While working in the office of First Photographics, a photography studio based in Kintore, I decided to return to education as a mature student to pursue a photography degree. I spent two fantastic years at North East Scotland College (NESCOL) before progressing to Gray’s School of Art, where I earned a BA in Photography. During my studies, I discovered a passion for photographing nature and flowers, which has strengthened my connection to the natural world.
Who are your photography heroes?
During my time studying at NESCOL, we were introduced to a diverse range of photographers who greatly influenced our work. Lecturer Karen Catto was instrumental in opening our eyes to the creative world, introducing us to visionary artists like Marina Abramović, Cig Harvey, JR and Martin Parr. My own project work led me to explore photographers inspired by the beauty of the sea and West Coast of Scotland such as Rachel Talibart, Margaret Soraya and Ellis O’Connor – all of whom I was fortunate to meet on Margaret Soraya’s photographer’s retreat in autumnal Kingussie last year.
During the lockdown in my third year at Gray’s, my research introduced me to the works of Henry David Thoreau, the concept of Biophilia, and the history of the tulip. This inspired the creation of my floral collection, which continues to evolve with the help of some wonderful National Trust gardens in Aberdeenshire, including favourites like Haddo House and Pitmedden Gardens.
Do you have time for other hobbies or interests?
I have a fantastic gym on my doorstep called The Shed where I enjoy morning workouts with great instructors and fabulous people. Long walks on the beach with Skye are a favourite thing to do with Collieston and Newburgh near by.
Each year, I attend a wonderful restorative yoga retreat located at The Sail Loft Bunkhouse Portsoy, run by Beverley Reid of Holistic Insight and Yvonne Payne of Yogavonne. It’s a weekend of meeting other like-minded people, relaxation, great food (provided by Annie’s Wee Catering Company) and a swim in the sea. One of my goals was to capture the Northern Lights after chasing it for many years and a fruitless trip to Iceland. This image was captured from my garden earlier this year and was a huge highlight.
What drew you to concentrate on Haddo Country Park?
I grew up visiting Haddo as a child, and it’s a special place for our family to gather each year. I have walked all our dogs there and always find something new to appreciate. When Rae asked me to collaborate on this project, I was volunteering with the Friends of Haddo Country Park, spending my Sunday mornings with a great group of volunteers maintaining parts of the park. One of my first Sundays was spent knee-deep in mud, helping to re-line the pond in the Sensory Garden. Haddo was a natural choice for this project—a place where I feel happy.
What have you learned from working on the Haddo Reimagined project?
This project has been an incredible learning experience, and the chance to carry out research and photography in such a magical location has made it even more rewarding. I’ve loved every moment of it! I’ve had the privilege of speaking with fascinating individuals, each with their own unique connection to Haddo. Some were born there when it served as a maternity hospital after the war, while others have deep family roots in the estate’s history. On the practical side, I’ve sharpened my Photoshop skills, mastered book design using IngramSpark, and thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with Rae, where we’ve played to each other’s strengths and achieved so much together.
Which other photo-books do you recommend? And why?
I have been deeply inspired by the work of documentary photographer Sophie Gerrard, a member of Document Scotland. Her project, Drawn To The Land, which highlights the role of female farmers in rural Scotland, sparked a goal in me to capture images in the same natural light. Her photographs have a three-dimensional quality not often found in other images. As a result, the viewer feels as if they are in the space with the subject, making the project feel far more personal. Sophie’s more recent exhibition “Cultivating Equality,” highlights how food production can positively impact climate, biodiversity, and social justice. Her style of photography tells a story and connects you to the cause in a more intimate way, that could help provoke change.
I had the pleasure of participating in a workshop led by Carien Borst, an inspirational artist inspired by both the Scottish landscape and her native Dutch coastline. Her published book, Sea View, beautifully pairs her stunning paintings with poetic text, enhancing the experience of immersing oneself in the artwork. I believe by complementing the image with text adds meaningful context, creating a richer and more engaging interaction.
I was fortunate to receive a copy of In The Footsteps of Colm Cille, a magical collaborative book featuring paintings by one of my favourite artists Jolomo, along with music and poetry. This combination creates a truly immersive experience, taking the viewer on a beautiful journey through Iona. This book opened my eyes to the impact of collaboration and the value of working with fellow creatives.
Colours My Eastern Heritage by Kanita Sim is a vibrant book that combines Sim’s sketches, photography, and paintings of Scotland with the inspiring colours of Thailand. The thoughtful integration of these mediums enriches the context and enjoyment of the book, enhancing the appreciation of her stunning artwork.
What’s next for Haddo Reimagined?
Launching Haddo Reimagined at Haddo Arts is a fantastic opportunity, and it’s important for me to receive the approval of the many people who live, work, and visit this special place. We’re excited to be working on both an eBook version of Haddo Reimagined, as well as a special edition hardback, which will include a bonus story and additional photographs. We’ve enjoyed engaging with so many people during the creation of this project, and believe it’s important to take the exhibition on the road. This will allow us to reach more people who love Haddo and its country park, and hopefully encourage others to visit and experience its magical beauty.
Thank you Susan for joining the blog and providing such an interesting insight into your creative journey. It’s been a joy to work with you on the Haddo Reimagined project, and exciting to be offered a sneak peek of your fantastic floral collection. Please come back soon and tell us more.
Learn more about Susan’s photography on her website at www.susanorrart.com
Or check out her Instagram page at @susan_orr_art
Or join her at the Haddo Arts Festival, Aberdeenshire, 12-15th September 2024 for the launch of Haddo Reimagined, where both the paperback and specially commissioned greeting cards will be available to buy.
