New Creative Collaboration Explores How Awe and Visual Scale Shape Our Perception of Nature

Launching on Earth Day 2025 is a fascinating new creative collaboration between two researchers from the University of Exeter and Falmouth University based at the Penryn campus in Cornwall.  

The project, entitled ‘Perspective Shifts’, brings together Dr Emmylou Rahtz, Research Fellow at the University of Exeter’s European Centre for Environment and Human Health, and Phyllida Bluemel, Lecturer in Illustration at Falmouth University.  

Between April and July this year, the pair will be exploring the effect of scale and awe in nature, focusing on individuals’ sense of orientation in relation to the environment. They will examine how people perceive the world and their place within it, and how this affects their connection to the environment. 

As well as collaborating with one another, the pair will also bring together the voices, expertise, and knowledge of researchers and academics from both Universities, as well as other specialists working with scale, to gain further insights into this idea from a variety of different viewpoints.   

It is hoped these conversations will then be created into a co-produced illustrated publication designed by Phyllida, which itself may play with scale, to poetically document these conversations and provoke readers to challenge themselves with scaled perspectives, and to perhaps experience awe and a sense of connectedness.  

Phyllida Bluemel said, “Emmylou and I have found there are so many overlaps in our thinking, and many more questions left to answer. We feel very lucky that this funding gives us the opportunity to go there. In fact, without this opportunity – we may never have crossed paths in the first place. I’m most looking forward to bringing other researchers into our discussions and being able to talk about and work with ideas that don’t fit neatly into any of the normal disciplinary boxes.”

Dr Emmylou Rahtz added “When Phyllida and I first met up, our conversation developed in a really exciting way. New ideas bubbled as we found parallels and new frames of reference for our existing interests, particularly with our shared fascination for shifts in perspective, albeit coming at this idea from slightly different angles. I’m delighted that we’ve been awarded the funding to take the conversation further and expand it through speaking with other people.”

The project is part of the FX Creative Exchange programme, an initiative supporting collaborations between early-career/emerging researchers across the University of Exeter and Falmouth University. The programme aims to supports the development of a shared research culture around the themes of ecology, creativity, sustainability, and environment. 

Dr Elze Hesse, University of Exeter lead for the FX Creative Exchange said “When art and science collaborate, new perspectives emerge and fresh ideas take flight. Early career researchers have the unique opportunity to bridge these worlds, creating innovations that challenge, inspire, and transform.”

Dr Hue Lewis-Jones, Falmouth University lead for the FX Creative Exchange, said “The heart of the FX Creative Exchange is curiosity. That’s what drives research and creativity. Bringing staff across institutions together to start something. Recognising and celebrating different ways of thinking and doing. To nurture ideas, to dream up new projects, to begin things. We really do hope that the FX Creative Exchange will continue to do this.”

The FX Creative Exchange is co-funded through a partnership between the University of Exeter’s Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI), Falmouth University, and Arts and Culture, University of Exeter.  

You can keep up to date with the project and find out more about the FX Creative Exchange here.