'Our ancestors grew to respect nature, balancing the understanding that nature can bite, poison, sting, maim and kill, with an awe and appreciation of what the natural world can offer to promote health of body and mind’ (Selhub & Logan, 2012, p. 1).

The objective of this project is to create an exhibition that seeks the retain the simplicity of nature with regards to its design. The exhibition is showcased alongside a woodland inspired installation to create a tranquil and atmospheric nature scene among an urban setting.

There are six photographs used in this exhibition: each photograph captures different aspects of woodland trails e.g. natural trails or man-made trials. As each image selected for the exhibition is of a nature trail in a woodland area. The idea is to transport the audience from their urban setting in to the natural environment. It is also utilised to remind people that it is important to take a break from their busy lifestyles and technology.

The concept for this project is the benefits of nature on societies wellbeing. Anxiety, depression and stress are the most common mental health issues among modern society (Sohn, 2016). Less contact with our natural environment has been compared to the ‘loss of a layer of protection against psychological stress and the opportunity for cognitive rejuvenation’ (Selhub & Logan, 2012, p. 2). 

Experts in this field of study believe that the increase in these mental health issues is related to the separation we now face from our natural environment: as more than half of the world’s population are now living in urban settings. Nature has been associated with health, happiness and general good wellbeing for centuries, however modern society appears to have deviated away from it. Even as far back as the nineteenth century, esteemed author and poetic Samuel Johnson knew the importance of nature with regards to humanity’s wellbeing when he wrote ‘Deviation from nature is deviation away from happiness’ (Johnson, 1837, p. 471).

Photos: Raheen Woods, Newport Rd, Co Mayo

Photos taken with a Nikon d7100

Software used: Adobe Photoshop and Illustration