“I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart.” — Vincent van Gogh Found these self-portraits from art college, over 25 years ago. Digital imaging was finding its way into our creative world, and I was grabbing every tool I could—computers, video cameras, stills photography—throwing it all together, experimenting and seeing what art came out. I always thought I’d go to university, but my portfolio went in too many directions for fine art, and there wasn’t a multimedia course available to me then. Some painful rejections followed. Looking back, they did me a favour: I learnt to teach myself. That curiosity carried me into photographic studios, my own businesses and a lifetime of continually learning. Finding these reminded me how long I’ve been devoted to creating. There’s been blood, sweat, tears and plenty of frustration, but also so much joy. For my mental health, having somewhere to put what’s going on inside me has meant a great deal. I’m proud I’ve kept going, and grateful to live through such extraordinary changes in the tools available to artists. Adding these to my digital footprint also answers a thought that crossed my mind: “What if the studio caught fire?” Time to preserve a little more of the journey. Still experimenting. Still learning. Still wouldn’t change it for the world. #VincentVanGogh #ArtistJourney #CreativePassion #Appreciation #ArtAndMentalHealth

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS. 🌊🙏 Sitting overlooking the surf at Woolacombe and Coombesgate, absolutely frothing to get in… but feeling pretty bloody blessed that I can even get myself down here and take it all in. Yes, I’m injured. Yes, it’s frustrating. But I’ve still got this view, some gentle movement, sea air and creative work to get home to. Had a really heartfelt conversation with one of my oldest friends about what he’s going through, and it put a lot into perspective. Keeping the details between us, but it reminded me how easy it is to get caught up in what we haven’t got and overlook what we have. You can be frustrated and grateful at the same time. Today, I needed that reminder. I’ll be back on point in a bit. For now, give the body time, keep creating and appreciate being here. 💙 #Gratitude #InjuryRecovery #Surfing #Perspective #Creativity

I love nature—even in a storm. 🌊 It’s always been my refuge. Whatever’s going on in my mind, the wind, the sea and the open sky have a way of washing some of it away. I come back feeling clearer, calmer and more myself. I can’t recommend it enough: make time to be in nature. Find somewhere safe, breathe and give yourself a moment to simply be. #StormAusten #Cornwall #StormWatching #NatureHeals #MentalWellbeing

Storm Austen is starting to build 🌊💨 Friday morning’s looking like the big one. I’ve never seen the forecast on my PredictWind map showing black before… looks like we’re in for it! Batten down the hatches, secure your gear and stay safe out there. #StormAusten #UKStorm #NorthDevon #WildWeather #Shorts

Is It Okay to Hunt for the Pot? veggie vegan or not? Sometimes I feel guilty about being a meat eater. I’m quite an energy-based person, and I’ve always felt that every part of nature feeds another part of nature. There’s a cycle to it all, and knowing my own body, I do feel that I need the energy I get from eating meat. But then I’m faced with a live lobster like this little fella, and suddenly it doesn’t feel like an abstract conversation about food anymore. It makes me stop, appreciate the life in front of me, and question where the line sits between nature, nourishment and compassion. I don’t have a perfect answer. Maybe being willing to question it is part of respecting what we eat. #vegan #vegetarian #food #moraldilemma #appreciation

Stormy writhing autumn seas this evening, Ilfracombe. Devon. #ilfracombe #sea #waves #storm #ocean #oceanwaves

Been exploring Cavedale in the Peak District of Derbyshire. An ideal filming spot, especially with the drone. It’s a beautiful limestone gorge carved by the flow of water over millions of years. Its history can be traced back to the Ice Age with ancient settlements of the Neolithic and Bronze Age. The 11 century Norman castle still stands. Just. #Cavedale #PeakDistrict #Derbyshire #history #naturalwonder #limestonegorge #geologicalformation #geology #castle

Storm Darragh hits Ilfracombe Beach in North Devon. Nature flexing her muscles. #nature #power #storm

Storm Darragh hits in lfracombe in north. #storm #wind #waves #ocean #sea #ilfracombe #devon

This is a beautiful combination of light and lines of Surf coming into Saunton Sands in North Devon. Was a privilege to be able to capture it on video. #calm #ocean #photography #video #water #saunton #waves #peace ##nature 

Beach Patterns & Natures Beauty, Ocean Waves & Artwork Inspiration Video Channel by British Artist Russell Scott-Skinner. Croyde & North Devon Coastal Art & Photography You Tube channel & Gallery. Live and recorded local area video. Original paintings & ink drawings of Croyde, Saunton, Putsborough & the surrounding areas. Limited edition photographic prints, canvas images & framed imagery available at www.russellscottskinner.com. Also offering commissioned fine art pieces & art for home or business.

Pretty much says it all in the title. Was exploring Bucksmill in north devon with it in mind to surf in winter. Think I prefer other side of the river Taw but then I’m getting a bit spoilt living here. 🤷‍♂️ #bucksmill #waterfall #beach #devon #geology #sunset

Pure tranquil beauty. Nature at her best on the beach at night with town lights twinkling in the crashing waves. Doesnt get better for thenaudory and visyal stimuli mix formoeace on our senses. #art #nature #waves #lights #sound #meditation #relax #beauty