Christina Baldwin

I worked with a group of young people aged 11–15 as part of the Celebrate Cuckmere Haven project, exploring and photographing the area from their own perspectives. The project encouraged them to capture moments of awe in nature and reflect on the connection between people and coastal environments, drawing on ideas linked to the “Blue Mind” concept — the wellbeing benefits of being near water.

Each participant created a small portfolio and selected a favourite image, which was printed on canvas and exhibited as part of the Celebrate Cuckmere Haven exhibition, celebrating young people’s perspectives on this much-loved landscape.

I ran regular creative sessions for young people, including photography projects inspired by “Blue and Green Mind” principles, exploring the natural environment around the foundation and further afield. These activities encouraged the participants to engage with nature, express themselves creatively, and develop new skills in a supportive, hands-on setting.

During my time with Ebb & Flow, I explored Flowforms – sculpted vessels that create rhythmic water movement, mimicking natural flows and patterns. The figure-of-eight (lemniscate) motion in these designs can enhance water’s vitality, with some creating slow, sweeping rhythms and others faster, playful movements. Working with these forms allowed me to engage creatively with water, movement, and natural patterns.