Blue Mind

Water has always had a unique power to soothe the soul. Whether we're gazing at the ocean, floating in a river, or feeling the rain on our skin, it evokes a calm, meditative state that is deeply rooted in human experience. This phenomenon, known as Blue Mind, refers to the peacefulness and clarity we experience when we're in, on, or near water.

My photography in the Blue Mind project explores the connection between water and our emotional well-being. Inspired by the research of neuroscientists and marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols, I aim to visually capture how water can reduce stress, slow our breathing, and guide us into a state of deep relaxation. Through this work, I hope to evoke the serenity that water brings into our lives and invite viewers to experience its calming presence, whether they are by the sea, a lake, or simply engaging with these images.

Each photograph in this series is designed to echo the gentle rhythms and textures of water, offering a sensory retreat from the chaos of modern life. The water’s reflections, its constant movement, and its endless depth are metaphors for the peaceful inner spaces we can all access when we allow ourselves to be present with the natural world.

In a world increasingly driven by stress and overstimulation, I invite you to immerse yourself in these images and feel the quiet, steady pulse of water - a reminder of our profound connection to the blue spaces that sustain us.

This photographic series employs a technique called intentional camera movement (ICM), combined with a slow shutter speed and the use of a coloured filter. By panning the camera horizontally, I blend the waves into flowing, abstract forms. The range and speed of the pan, as well as the shutter speed, vary throughout the series.

The ICM community thrives on creativity, embracing abstraction and motion to push the boundaries of traditional photography. By using techniques like panning, slow shutter speeds, and layered exposures, artists transform fleeting moments into personal, expressive works of art. It’s a space where imperfection becomes beauty, and experimentation is celebrated. The community’s collaborative spirit fosters innovation, with photographers sharing techniques and inspiring one another to explore new possibilities. In this way, ICM becomes not just a technique but a vibrant, evolving art form.

When I shared some of this series as works-in-progress on social media, they were warmly received. Here’s some lovely feedback from the incredibly talented and all-round wonderful person, the artist and writer Anna Koska,