ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO LANDSCAPE AND ENERGY ETHICS

a series of conversations in multiple parts

ABOUT US

Looking North is a project that was born out of the wish to contribute to diversifying discourses about ecological conservation through a multi-disciplinary lens.

Through a series of in-person and online discussions featuring leading artists, scholars, and activists from across the world, this project presents alternative means of engaging with the natural world. Our aim is to challenge and re-frame prevailing anthropocentric — often extractive — ideas surrounding the concepts of landscape, nature, and energy. By promoting a regenerative, empathetic understanding of nature as that which encompasses both the human and more-than-human, we hope to contribute to a more ecologically just society in Scotland and beyond.

FOLLOW US

Our latest podcast episode dives into the work of Mel Woods, artist, researcher, and driving force behind Urban ReLeaf, a project that aims to co-create citizen-powered data ecosystems to support climate change adaptation, green infrastructure and ur
In our recent Local Spotlight, we had a fascinating conversation with Harry Watkins, landscape architect and director of the St Andrews Botanic Garden. During our conversation, Harry shared his thoughts on making the Botanic Garden more relevant to
For those seeking insightful discussion on the future of botanic gardens, look no further than the latest episode of our podcast series. In this thought-provoking conversation, Harry Watkins, Executive Director of the St Andrews Botanic Garden, delve
Looking beyond the plate, local food systems tell stories. Tune into our most recent Local Spotlight episode, where Connie Hunter invites us to contemplate the deeper connections fostered by sustainable agriculture. Connie and her team cultivate a r
In the second episode of our podcast series, you’ll hear Connie Hunter from the East Neuk Market Garden discussing her 4-acre agroecological farm. Having worked at the Women’s Environmental Network, Connie went on to Co-Found the East Ne
What is your first memory of climate change? For Dr Roxani Krystalli, this question hits at the heart of what guides her ethos toward environmental action. In our recent podcast episode, Roxani delves into the significance of a place-based ethic, ur
Our Local Spotlights podcast series is now available wherever you get your podcasts! Make sure to check out the first episode, which features an interview with Dr Roxani Krystalli from the University of St Andrews. Roxani’s work is concerned w
Last Saturday marked the finale of Looking North - with the small caveat of our Local Spotlights podcast series, which we are releasing this week - and we were deeply moved by those who came to DCA Dundee to support the project. Your presence, whethe

OUR TALKS

  • In the first round, we invited four artists from Scotland: Alex Boyd, Sekai Machache, Mhairi Killin, and Sophie Gerrard. In discussing their projects and thoughts, each speaker introduced us to various alternative ways of thinking about and engaging with conceptions of nature, landscape, and energy. By exploring the artists’ approaches and ideas, this talk series aims to move beyond mainstream narratives surrounding landscape and energy in Scotland which are often inextricably linked with extractive practices and exploitative dynamics between people and what is thought of as nature. Many believe that reframing our relationship to our surroundings and co-inhabitants should be at the very centre of environmental thought and change. Looking North hopes to contribute to this ongoing effort and dialogue.

  • In part two, we were delighted to welcome back each of our artist-speakers and pair them with a nature writer or scholar whose work has explored similar themes. We decided to opt for a two-part format to allow enough time for our speakers to engage in an unscripted and authentic dialogue. In so doing, we hope to cultivate a context in which a conversation can evolve that is stimulating not just to the audience, but the speakers themselves. This was followed by a Q&A in which the audience had the opportunity to participate and ask questions.

  • The third part of Looking North addresses our central themes through the lens of care, healing & regeneration. This is to acknowledge the interconnectedness of this planet’s ecosystem as well as the interdependence of all its inhabitants, including ourselves. Environmental, public and personal health are closely intertwined. Together with our speakers, we wish to explore ways in which healing, care and regeneration provide a framework of being with our surroundings and planetary co-inhabitants. By pursuing positivity rather than neutrality, as in net zero for example, we wish to present care, healing & regenerating practices as central to constituting a shared sense of agency, empathy, and engagement – all of which we believe to be crucial in a healthy society that shares this space peacefully with other beings.