Sad Primrose (web project)
'If our life is made up of perceptions and reactions, the way we notice and react to a plant or animal helps define who we are'. Tristan Gooley
In the summer of 2018 Abigail is trailing a year long, online project with An evening with Primrose called Sad Primrose to bring audiences blooms throughout the winter months.
Abigail captures the blooms in HD between the months of May and August and invites an artist, writer, scientist or academic to respond to the footage in any way they wish. The video blogs (vlogs) will be released in the darkest winter months between December and February via the website. They will raise awareness of SAD and highlight the seasonal changes and circadian rhythms that effect both plants and animals.
'Time spent in nature has been shown to improve self-esteem and conflict resolution. It also reduces absenteeism, and one hour spent in nature can improve memory and attention span by 20%. Nature can calm us, it can help us focus and, for many, it works as an antidepressant.' Tristan Gooley
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a recognised mental health disorder that effects many people across the UK. The effect of light, disrupted body clocks, low serotonin and high melatonin levels are some theories as to what causes SAD and winter blues. Building on evidence that celebrates nature in the arts leading to contemplative experiences, Sad Primrose hopes to monitor the correlation between our exposure to nature and well-being.
The website also includes a live platform streaming blooming primrose during summer months and further research into time based arts and post human performance.
For more information and to see the vlogs please follow the link to the Sad Primrose website.