It’s time for me to go on my annual wildlife adventure; reconnect with nature, photograph the wildlife and remind myself of why I do what I do.

This year, I’m going on an Arctic expedition to the archipelagos of Svalbard. I’ll be spending a couple of weeks aboard the vessel, MV Villa, photographing polar bears, walruses and other species native to the area. I’m going with an open mind, my new camera equipment and lots of seasickness medication!

This year, following on from the completion of my painting, ‘Thin Ice’, I have been obsessed with climate change and how it affects us all on a global scale. As well as making lifestyle changes, discussing climate change on panels and engaging in wildlife artivism, I have been putting together plans behind the scenes for future pieces that draw more attention to the immediate effects of global warming.

It seemed only fitting, therefore, that I travel to the Arctic myself. The opportunity presented itself to travel on a last minute trip with Nansen Polar Expeditions and I gratefully accepted. I am hoping to learn as much as I can about the arctic region, how it (and its wildlife) is affected by climate change and what we can do all do to make a difference.

I hope to connect with you all when I return!