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Sarah Martindale

Empty Wellies

Sarah Martindale is a final year BA (Hons) Photography student with a final project inspired by the Welsh farming industry.

Photography - BA (Hons)

GIVE US A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF YOUR PROJECT

When people think of farming, what often springs to mind is a romanticised notion of rural life, nestled within idyllic landscapes and insulated from the pressures of the city. What is often overlooked or unseen are the impacts policy makers impose upon this industry, the outcomes of which are often slow and hard to visualise, yet have significant consequences for Welsh Farming families, communities and environments.

I have curated a collection of my own photographs showcasing this.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CONCEPT?

This project was inspired by my previous work, “The journey of wool”, where I had the privilege of working with Welsh farmers. This is when the struggles within the Welsh farming became apparent and I could see the emotional and physical strain the proposed policy changes were having in creating an uncertain future. In January 2024, I started educating myself on rural policy changes and making contacts within the industry. The Welsh Government have proposed a policy, ‘Sustainable Farming Scheme’, whereby all Welsh farmers dedicate 10% of their farming land to tree planting and 10% should be left for nature - this would mean a reduction in overall farming land of 20%. During this project, I have worked closely with two farming families, attended protests, and immersed myself within the Welsh farming community.

WHAT PROCESSES HAVE YOU BEEN USING?

This work was created through socially engaged practice, documenting a visual response to the political changes. I wanted to capture both the protests and who it will impact. To create a direct link between policy changes and the people it will affect. When watching protests through the news and on social media as a consumer it’s easy to become desensitised. This project has been created around this notion to help my audience get a glimpse into farming homes, families, and general day to day life to help the audience to connected with the families behind the protests.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE WITH YOUR PROJECT?

I aim to help raise awareness for Welsh farmers, showing their struggles to a new audience. I hope to show people the other side of farming and how hard it can be not just physically but emotionally as well. I have created two books documenting the struggles Welsh Farmers face, I also have two exhibitions coming up and I'd like to gain some funding therefore be able to carry on documenting the changes within farming.

HOW HAS YOUR COURSE HELPED YOU TO PREPARE FOR WORKING ON YOUR PROJECT?

My course has helped me define my style of photography, while also giving me the confidence to keep developing my work. Being dyslexic I have always struggled in an academic environment but my tutors and the university have given me easy access to all the support I need. Through this course I went from hardly getting my GCSE's to achieving firsts.