Rugged Reflections: The Lake District

The second instalment of Heath & Heaven, which captures the wonders of the Lake District National Park from the air launched on February 8th 2008.

Rugged Reflections is a Living Art project in collaboration with the Lake District National Park that looks at this Park from an aerial perspective - a poetical insight, a personal expression into its captivating detail.

 

The work is keen to convey calm and reflection, how healing and restorative, how exciting and fulfilling it can be to immerse ourselves in such an environment.
The spirit of the Heath & Heaven project comes through with loving eyes and heartfelt compassion for this beautiful landscape as photographer and artist, Si Homfray delivers this wonderous installation.

An aerial perspective revealing hidden treasures that cannot be seen from the ground, Rugged Reflections captures the sheer magnificence of the Lake District National Park from the air. Living Art founder Si Homfray spent one day hanging precariously out of a helicopter taking a series of photographs that makes up Rugged Reflections and many more revisiting places and calling upon his childhood nostalgia to create the words to go with the experience.

"Even with the shattering noise of rotor blades and 80 miles an hour winds, it was possible to develop a closeness and intimacy with the landscape. It was a very privileged insight into just what makes this iconic place so revered," said Si.

The first flight set out from Newby Bridge and headed north via Windermere, Borrowdale and Keswick to Caldbeck, returning along the eastern fringe of the lakes, taking in Blencathra, Haweswater, High Street and Helvellyn. A second ascent produced dramatic shots of western gems, including Buttermere, Ennerdale and Pillar down to the Langdales, Hardknott Pass and Coniston.

Open to the Public at The Lake District National Park Authority's BROCKHOLE VISITOR CENTRE, Lake Windermere Monday to Sunday 9.00am to 6.00pm

The original installation

Printed to 10 lightboxes measuring: (9m x 2.1m)
An aerial portrait of the Lake District National Park photographed from
a helicopter all on one day, September 12th 2007.
Photography, direction, words and design: Si Homfray
Helicopter: www.helicopters.co.uk