David Attenborough introduces his latest film with the simple statement ‘The Oceans are the most important place on Earth

For its first billion years our planet was an inhospitable place.  Then around 3.5 billion years ago elements and energies began to combine in increasingly complex relationships. Water was essential to this process. Life began in the sea and so did our evolution.

The Oceans are in crises but can and do recover when we make the right choices and take action. Marine plastic pollution is a severe problem and effects every form of oceanic life from micro-organisms, that are the basis of the food-chain. And drive many ocean systems, to the whales and birds that are found with plastic debris in their stomachs. This awareness inspired North Light Arts and Sustaining Dunbar to make ‘Coastal Connections’ the theme for our programme this year and ‘Shore Lines & Tide Marks’ is our response. Our activates aim to ignite a sense of awe and wonder at the natural world and consider how we can be more careful of nature and each other.

The Creative Workshops focused on using natural and found materials

Weaving fishermen’s discarded ropes into the patterns of the algae and bacteria the swim in our waters, while reflecting on their fascinating designs and the part we can play in reducing pollution. Discovering the art of Suminagashi – floating ink made from the soot of pine trees to print watery patterns. Exploring eco- friendly photographic techniques without using a camera and creating images directly onto algae-based biolistic and sea worn pottery fragments. Creating mark making tools using grasses, seaweed, driftwood and other beech combed treasures.

Our Artists Katie Fowlie, Lucy Robertson and Anna Davies have shown us new ways to use old techniques. Their workshops have stimulated our creative energy share with new community relationships that will inspire future projects and connections.

North Light Arts and Sustaining Dunbar would like to thank our funders Dunbar Community Council and East Lothian Council Arts and Museum Service.