Collins & Goto Studio has designed and led a diverse range of national and international seminars, workshops, and conferences since the mid-1990s. Rooted in a deep understanding of the interplay between art, ecology, and community engagement, these events have explored a wide array of topics, from the artist’s role in shaping post-industrial public spaces to the future of Scotland’s Caledonian Forests. Our workshops, including those held at Mar Lodge and Abernethy, often incorporate principles of deep mapping and interdisciplinary dialogue to foster a deeper understanding of the cultural and ecological values embedded in the landscapes we inhabit. Publications and further resources related to these projects will be made available on this page as they are released.
BINGS Seminar: Unveiling the Artistic and Ecological Significance of Shale Oil Bings
The seminar’s focus on John Latham’s legacy implies an exploration of his artistic practice, which often engaged with industrial materials and processes. By framing the shale oil bings as potential “artwork,” the seminar challenges conventional notions of art and encourages a reevaluation of these post-industrial structures. The seminar’s exploration of the bings as a “living landscape and ecosystem” highlights the intersection of art, ecology, and industrial history, emphasizing the unexpected ways in which nature reclaims and transforms human-altered environments. This perspective is further underscored by examining the bings’ potential as a national heritage site, prompting reflection on how we preserve and interpret our industrial past.
Collins, T., McLean, R., Collins, R.G. (2019) There is a Work in the interpretation of the Work in the Journal for Visual Art Practice, (Vol 18 – 2019, Issue 3) Pp. 221-237. Abingdon: Taylor and Francis.
The ‘There is Work…..’ video from the interdisciplinary seminar focused on the meaning, form and function of the shale oil bings, that are just east of Edinburgh Scotland.
FUTURE FORESTS – Abernethy: Envisioning the Future of Ancient Woodlands
This seminar series shifts its focus to the social and cultural aspects of Caledonian pine forests, specifically within the Abernethy National Nature Reserve. The emphasis on “aesthetics and ethical experiences” suggests an exploration of the complex ways in which humans connect with and value these ancient woodlands. The mention of the reserve being “owned by Scottish Natural Heritage and managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds” highlights the intersection of conservation efforts, public ownership, and the challenges of balancing ecological integrity with human access and experience. The inclusion of artists, scientists, teachers, and forest managers as participants underscores the seminar’s interdisciplinary approach, recognizing that addressing the future of these forests requires a multifaceted perspective.
