2. Last year I had the great privilege
of spending nine unforgettable
months in the Scottish Highlands.
One evening in late October my partner came back home
with some unexpected news. His work was offering him
the possibility to join a project in the North of Scotland
for a year. Neither of us had been to that part of Scotland
before, so we sat down and talked about it. We had heard
so many lovely stories about the Highlands and how
gorgeous this part of the world was. So really, it did not
take us long to decide that we were going to accept this
incredible opportunity.
We left in mid-March, and our journey was a very long
one, not only because it took us over ten hours to get
there, but mainly because we wanted to stop the car every
two seconds to witness the constant spectacle taking place
in front of us. We were exited, dazzled and blown away by
the outright generosity of Nature.
It was mile after mile of continuous beauty, each changing
in colour and shape. We drove through dense forests,
deserted roads, abandoned ruins, towering mountain
ranges, lochs and wild rivers. It was pure delight… We felt
lucky, light and alive.
Words & Photos by Emilie Van Camp
3. When we finally arrived, one of the first things we did was buy
ourselves warm coats, boots and a big map to plan our new
adventures. We knew we only had a year to explore everything
and did not want to waste any time.
Artistically speaking, I was really excited to play with a
completely new blank canvas. I could not wait to capture all of
the vibrant colours and unique light. Nature can definitely be
astounding and overwhelming. Its power to make you feel so
small in the face of the Universe is very much present, yet you
want to embrace it. It literally opened my eyes and I felt a
complete new person.
I believe this is where I found myself as an artist.
We started exploring the West Coast and did a trip to the Isle of
Skye, which was simply stunning. It hides some of the most
beautiful beaches in the world, however do not be fooled by the
turquoise-transparent colour of the water, it is freezing! In the
summer, light does not fade until midnight, and there is
something quite magical about holding hands and walking on
a deserted white sand beach at night.
4.
5. My favourite place has to be Glen Affric, I will never forget it. I
truly hope this place will remain pure and unspoiled because it
is simply perfect. You can only access the Glen by foot after
driving through a long and windy single track road. But on
arrival, your heart stops and you have to pinch yourself to
confirm you are not dreaming. Nature was at its rawest state;
vibrant, intense, powerful, delicate, beautiful and generous.
This was the place… this was our place.
We first discovered Glen Affric mid-November when the
autumnal colours were at their best. We sat down on the edge
of the loch and contemplated everything that surrounded us,
overcome with emotions.
Although we left Scotland before we could stay a whole year,
we were lucky enough to spend enough time there to see this
part of the world through all four seasons. I was really worried
to miss seeing the landscapes covered in snow - winter being
one of my favourite seasons - and I could just imagine how
beautiful everything would be, so surreal and magical. Four
days before we left, as if life wanted to grant me with my wish,
I woke up one day in a different world.
6.
7. I had to go out. We drove for hours trying to make the most of
the light and capturing every single last moment we had there.
This white sheet offered me some of my favourite memories
from the Highlands. Everything was clean and peaceful, all in
perfect harmony with itself. The wild deers run alongside the
road with us for a last journey together. Nature holding us one
more time.
It is quite a dangerous place to be when it snows but we could
not leave without seeing the Glen one more time. When we
returned however, there was a different feeling to that I
remembered… we were leaving Scotland. Our hearts were
heavy, mirroring the snow storm outside. The snow was
extremely heavy and dense - it would not have been long
before we would have been completely stuck - but as always it
took us by surprise and we felt in a very different place. For me,
the snow brings a complete new dimension and feeling. The air
made your lungs ache, your blood rushed to your cheeks. You
breathe. You feel refreshed. You feel privileged.
My time in Scotland was just about the most beautiful
experience I have ever had. This part of the world is simply
magnificent and so generous - it shares everything with you,
even its most beautiful secrets! The spectacle of beauty
surrounding you is breathtaking, and you feel grateful to be
able to be part of it.
Time stops and the smile on your face never disappears.
I will return one day...
@emilievancamp
