On the south coast of Islay lies the Ardbeg distillery, where peat and sea come together in scent and atmosphere. In this photo, which I have edited into a picturesque image, you can see the white-plastered buildings stand out sharply against the soft light of the Scottish sky. In the foreground is a weathered basket, used by local fishermen to extract crabs and lobsters from the rugged coastal waters. For me, that basket, full of texture and history, brings the landscape to life. You can almost smell the sea, hear the lapping of the waves against the stone edge.
What makes this sculpture special for me is the combination of craft and simplicity. The hive and the distillery both tell a story of tradition, of working with the elements, of waiting and harvesting. In the picturesque treatment, these stories come together in soft colours, calm lines and an atmosphere of stillness. No tourism or crowds here, but a quiet moment in a place where craftsmanship is still tangible.
As a photographer and lover of whisky and the sea, I feel right at home here. This image is an ode to the rugged beauty of Islay and to the people who shape it.
Created by Thijs Schouten with support from AI.
Thijs Schouten, 38 years old, living in Hoevelaken. For over 15 years active with photography and as a child always had a camera in his hands. Photography is (besides his girlfriend and two daughters) his big passion.more information can be found at: https://www.thijsschouten.com.. Read more…