The artwork in this exhibition was chosen by NHS Grampian and GHAT staff and visitors to The Suttie Arts Space. The observations made while selecting the work reflect how they feel about their local environment, and range from personal memories to colours, subject matter, and sustainability.
GHAT invited NHS Grampian Sustainability Champions, alongside visitors to The Suttie Arts Space during a drop-in session, to select work from the GHAT Collection to display in this exhibition. We then asked everyone to write something about the work they selected.
NHS Grampian’s Sustainability Team – supporting sustainable development and practices across NHS Grampian sites.
Sustainability Champions are volunteers across all areas of NHS Grampian who work to embed sustainability in their area of work. They are a vital part of the organisation, as they act to highlight areas where improvement can be made in its sustainability and deliver sustainability actions and projects.
Website: www.nhsgrampian.org
Facebook: @NHSGSustainability
Some of the selection choices of artwork can be seen below.
'Yellow Buoys' by Sophie MacPherson
Oil on canvas
Chosen by Gemma (NHS Grampian Nurse)
Why I chose this artwork.
‘Vibrant Colours and interesting brush techniques’
'Botanic Gardens II' by Thomas Cameron
Oil on canvas
Chosen by Gemma (NHS Grampian Nurse)
Why I chose this artwork.
‘I love the colours and depth of forest/ jungle look.’
'Other Planets' by Rob Ryan
Screenprint
Chosen by visitor to The Suttie Arts Space
Why I chose this artwork.
‘I like the bright colour in the print & that it catches your eye.’
'Untitled' by Claire Roberts
Screenprint
Chosen by Neil Duncan (NHSG Waste Management Officer and Sustainability Champion)
Why I chose this artwork.
‘This picture reminds me of the mobius loop symbol used to denote recycling. Those images along with the images like flowers are nature – and they are represented as being in our hands to protect.’
I became a Sustainability Champion because..
‘It’s important to work together as NHSG to improve recycling and reduce waste. It’s my role to assist and advise staff wherever possible so they have the best options for their waste.’
'In Mart, Aberdeen' by Nicki McHarg
Mezzotint print
Chosen by Kirstie Hendrie (NHSG Dental Nurse and Sustainability Champion)
Why I chose this artwork.
‘I really like how the artist has managed to get texture into this work and I love this piece. It also reminds me of going to Aberdeen Mart as a child.’
I became a Sustainability Champion because..
‘To try and improve the Dental department and to make changes to improve it’s sustainability for NHSG’
'Subject Box1' by Ruth Beardsworth
Mixed media
Chosen by Alexandra McGregor (GHAT Project Assistant)
Why I chose this artwork.
‘I enjoy the way the natural materials have been used to create a nest form. The simplicity of the sculpture appeals to me, it reminds me of the joy of foraging and collecting natural materials from the woods to create collage works and reminds me of the amazing natural structures in our natural environment.’
'Grass Beneath the Trees' by Michael Porter
Oil paint and PVA on paper
Chosen by Rachel Roberts (NHS Grampian Environmental Manager)
Why I chose this artwork.
‘The initial chaos of this piece is what first allured me. I am reminded of a diverse assemblage of algae, lichens, and mosses, perhaps growing on an undisturbed tree branch in a humid Scottish landscape. The complexity of natural processes that take place all around us each day is both staggering and delicate.’
'Rain at Dogshillock Farm or Harvest Time Hustle' by G Shepherd
Screenprint
Chosen by Jean Firth (GHAT Collection Assistant)
Why I chose this artwork.
‘I love this print for its bold use of colour and pattern – creating a thoughtful scene out of abstracted elements like the shear border, the checkered corners, and the mysterious eye observing the darkness. The bright green raindrops make me think of acid – and acid rain is a phenomena we have largely reduced in Europe and the Americas due to strong air pollution regulations. It’s a hopeful reminder of the change humans are capable of, and the efforts needed to keep the planet alive.’
'New RACH 12' by James Furneaux
Pen and ink on paper
Chosen by Craig Marr (Community Pharmacy Sustainability Champion)
Why I chose this artwork.
‘I chose this striking painting because of the greenspace area in front of the Royal Children’s Hospital. Did you know that hospital patients with a view of trees from their window have been shown to recover more quickly and require fewer painkillers than similar patients who can’t see trees from their beds? I can just imagine myself as a young boy, scared of hospitals, feeling a much-needed wave of calmness when looking out the window and seeing the beauty of nature. This painting looks like it was created in the winter months when trees were sparse; however, I can still picture the trees with birds nesting, singing, and feeding on berries.’
I became a Sustainability Champion because..
‘NHS Grampian will ensure that it Increases the amount of quality green spaces within our estate and promote the restoration of areas deficient in ecological quality through habitat creation as well as changes to landscape management.’