Caroline Ross Art

Swimming is a space where I find calm and stillness. Where the world pauses for a moment and I can be entirely in my body. Sensations heightened, feeling my way through the water. Noticing. Slowing down. Reflecting. Being. Connection of body with water, soul with nature. Swimming at full moon intensifies this. Moon rays glisten across the water, voices in the darkness, towfloats lit up like guiding lights simultaneously providing safety and beauty as they spread out across the water. It is a time for reflection and affirmation, for friendship and sharing, for listening to our self and those we swim with, a time to be wholly present and enveloped by the power of the water.

A fantastic first day as Professor at Brunel University London. Such a warm welcome from colleagues in the Business School and across the University. I think I'm definitely going to like it here!

So, I've been quiet on the old socials over the summer. To be honest, I've needed the break to give myself time for reflection and to breathe. The last few months were entirely unexpected. I did not expect to be leaving my role as Professor at Surrey after 19 years. I didn't expect to secure a position at Brunel so quickly. I didn't expect to have 3 more art exhibitions (with some exciting potential developments in the pipeline), I didn't expect to travel around Europe with my gorgeous hubbie and kids in our motor home, and I certainly didn't expect to join the microcamper community!

Life in the last 6 months has changed in so many ways, but I'm excited for the future and whatever it may hold 💙

Next step.....my first day at Brunel tomorrow! Bring it on.....

If Carlsberg did research forums... thank you for organising such an incredible 2 days. Inspiring talks, collaboration, incredible location, spending time with old friends and new, smiles, laughter, and taking to the water with the whos who of outdoor swimming research! The only thing missing was - we missed you!

Looking forward to next time already 💙💦

Thank you to George from the Farnham Herald for doing a brilliant piece on her experiences of cold water swimming for mental health. George joined us for our fortnightly 'Relax and Flow' session that I host as part of Mental Health Swims - a completely non-judgemental space where everyone is welcome to try first-hand the mental health and wellbeing benefits dipping and swimming in nature can bring.

I've been volunteering with Mental Health Swims for a year now with Jamie () & Katy and can honestly say, it's one of the best things I have ever done. Can't wait to get back into the water again now we're back from our trip!

Cold water swimming at Frensham Ponds: The ultimate mental health ... Found on Google from altonherald.com

Sometimes a piece of art matches it's owner perfectly. This is absolutely the case for my wonderful friend, Jillian and 'Integrity'.

Jillian was recently made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours for her outstanding service to patients and participants in the field of UK genomics.

As the Chair of the independent Participant Panel at Genomics England, Jillian has not only represented the interests of thousands of patients, involved in the ground-breaking 100,000 Genome Project and beyond, but she has also helped to shape national genomics policy development in the UK, contributing to a world-leading genomics ecosystem.

Jillian treated herself to this work after hearing the news of this wonderful and entirely deserved recognition. I am so very proud of you, my friend xx

Sasha has been spending time with me for the last year as a visiting researcher from Fudan University in China. We've had a great time not only researching the relationship between immersive technology, culture, and travel intention, but spending time together and getting to know each other.

'Entering Icy Worlds' will head back to China with her as a memento of our time together and our collaboration that will continue 🩵

Celebrating with cake......including gift aid we have now raised over £5000!!

We've got just over 6 miles (of 22.6) to swim, so there's still time to help us his our £5k target without gift aid!

https://www.justgiving.com/page/fiona-conway-1714678854407?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Ffiona-conway-1714

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

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A quick little sketch of beautiful Ben Lomond and still waters of Loch Lomond. It is so peaceful here today!

I am auctioning off this original sketch with all of the winning bid being donated to as part of our swim today.

So, if you want to grab yourself a bargain and contribute to a great cause at the same time, drop me a dm.

Winning bid will be notified when we reach the end of the Loch!

Round 1 - complete! Over 6km in, the sun is shining, protein shake and pot noodle has been consumed!

Round 2 is underway..... is going back in for her 2nd swim of the morning 🙌☀️

Did someone say food?!!.......today has been all about packing food and drinks for the swim. I hit the shops hard...bought up half the place, but hey, we've got enough to keep us going for the recovery part of it all, too!! 😀🩵💙💦
https://www.justgiving.com/page/fiona-conway-1714678854407?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Ffiona-conway-1714

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All packed and ready to go.......19 hours till the boat launches and we take to the water!

We're just 5 middle-aged Scottish lassies who are swimming the length of Loch Lomond!!.....eek!! We're all nervous, excited, apprehensive....but SO grateful for all of your generous donations! Over £2300 raised already, and we've not even started! Thank you so much!!!

It's all in aid of and the wonderful work all of their staff and volunteers do to support families in need of their services. Truly incredible and invaluable work.

Thank you for your support with our kit!

We do realise times are tough for so many of us, but any sponsorship you're able to give would be so much appreciated - even £1 makes a difference to the hospice and those that need their care.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/fiona-conway-1714678854407?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Ffiona-conway-1714

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Last training swim - DONE!

Its time to drive north. Bags are packed, 1000's of training lengths and miles of water have been front-crawled, and I'm ready to go!

- your insulated costumes are magnificent - excited to see how they fair in the Loch.

- our kit is ready, and our caps have been branded with logos!

We will be undertaking our relay swim of Loch Lomond either tomorrow, weds, or Thurs (depending on weather).

It's......

22.6 MILES LONG
190M DEEP

and we're aiming to swim it in between 16-18 hours!

Boat launches at 4am.....and we swim until we reach the other end!

Bring it on!

Any sponsorship you're able to give would be so much appreciated - even £1 makes a difference to the hospice and those that need their care. Hospice work is truly incredible. Having needed these services ourselves, we know this first-hand. Yet, so many rely on voluntary contributions and fundraising. So, we're doing our bit......thank you all for your support
https://www.justgiving.com/page/fiona-conway-1714678854407?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Ffiona-conway-1714

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Not quite the usual prep for an endurance swim, but what a laugh we had....we danced, jogged, walked, space-hoppered, climbed, crawled, jumped, hugged, scrambled.....oh yes...and ran, our way round the course yesterday. We challenged ourselves and supported each other, all to support those who are affected by cancer.

It was an incredible morning to be part of, and it definitely won't be the last time we do it!

Now....it's packing and the drive north for the big swim at

Last week of training before we drive north and head for Scotland and the BIG swim! Eek! Support boat is ready and we've got all the kit......just need to find a cure for my imagination and all the things it can conjure up that live ithe deep!

Friendship is one of the most important things in life and I'm so fortunate to have shared this exhibition with folks that have been there throughout my life......from nursery and primary to high school and university, these guys are all super special and so supportive 🩵💙

Exhibiting in Paisley means so much, not just because my art is in my hometown, but most ly because it's the first time that my mum, sister, niece and nephew have been able to join me and share my work as it hangs in public view.

It really was such a special moment - pride, love and sharing a lifetime ambition with those who you have spent your entire life with is beyond words. I know that Dad would be super proud, too 🩵💙

A break from the conference to swim with my Loch Lomond Relay swim buddies and try out our new kit from - towfloats, gloves, boots and swim caps were amazing!

The countdown is definitely on.....2 weeks today we will have completed the swim (depending on the weather!) - all 22.6 miles of the Loch!

Thank you to for their support - open water swimming can be dangerous - the water can be unpredictable, its cold and deep and it is vital that we ensure we are as safe as we can be in the water, so your support with the kit is much appreciated.

We're swimming for and all the incredible support their provide to families in some of the most difficult times in people's lives. Having loved someone through their time in hospice and knowing others personally who use hospice services for respite, we know firsthand the essential support they provide.

Art for all ages! Have a go at spraypainting in the sunshine with

Come and hang out and get creative!

Mounting and signing limited edition prints ready for

Love working with from - come and find us and try your hand at spray painting, mandala drawing, mandala mindfulness colouring much more!

See you on the green for another festival weekend in The Mere! Can't wait!

Done my bit.....I always take pride in voting and having my voice heard. Inspirational women fought and lost their lives to secure our right to vote. As long as I can, I will vote!

This country needs change. Despite high levels of voter apathy and a lack of trust and belief in so many of our political parties, I hope the people of the UK turn up at the polls and that today's results bring the change that is so desperately needed.

💙🩵 First exhibition......in SCOTLAND!! 🩵💙

I'm so excited! My first exhibition in Scotland is in my hometown, Paisley!

I have been invited to exhibit my Into The Blue works from the 10th - 12th of July at The University of the West of Scotland, Paisley. The exhibition is open all day each day until 5pm and I'll be there every day for 'Meet the artist' chats.

Paisley pals....come on over, and let's have a cuppa and catch up 🩵💙

I used to walk past this uni (or Paisley tech as.it was back then) every day on my way to school! I just love that this exhibition is here 🩵💙

Thank you to the for inviting me to share my artwork alongside my academic contribution

This has to be one of the best conference break sessions ever! Badge making with Ben Joe , Sara & Mark - what a conversation, so much potential for collaboration, but most importantly, you are all simply gorgeously, lovely human beings!

Fantastic first day at the International Social Prescribing Conference co-hosted by and the Social Prescribing Network. Inspiring debates and discussions reflecting on the importance of collaboration, community, and creating opportunities to support community health through a bio-socio-psychological approach that takes a holistic view of health and wellbeing.

What a lineup of speakers! Such an inspiring day. Looking forward to day 2 tomorrow!

Earlier in the year, I trained as a Mental Health First-aider for the workplace. For so long, I've felt that I had to hide my struggles with anxiety and panic attacks, and now that I'm in a place where I can openly talk about it, I want to do what I can to support others, to provide a safe space for then to just be. Be themselves, without judgement. I do not ever claim to offer anything more than that. A safe space to be heard. That is why my Relax & Flow swim/dip sessions are so important to me. Drawing attention to being fully present in our natural environment - embracing the birdsong, the lapping of the water, the wind as it brushes through our hair and skin.......

I was reminded of this part of my training this morning where we had to go and do something for ourselves during lunch. No work or emails.......so, I went for a walk in the woods with my sketchbook and pen. I observed, listened, touched and smelt the landscape around me......absolute bliss! 🩵💚💙

It was ten years ago last week that we lost our dad to cancer. That same year, we also lost Ian's mum and his nan. It was one of the most difficult years we have had. Given this anniversary, it seems fitting that my sister and I will be joined by George, Laura and Joanna, in a challenge to swim the length of Loch Lomond to raise funds for the hospice my sister works in.

So, it's.......22.6miles....(longer than the channel).....but thankfully there's no monsters in this Loch (or at least that we know of!)

To give you an idea of scale, I took this pic from the sea plane in 2014 on the 23rd of December on what was mum and dad' first anniversary since his passing.

So, training is underway......just out the pool. 100 lengths in 45 mins.....so basically, it's about 15 more of those between the 5 of us....in a Loch that's 190m deep and about 12-14ºc.

We are raising money for , so would be grateful for anything you are able to share as we know times are tight for so many.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/fiona-conway-1714678854407?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Ffiona-conway-1714678854407&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3Mvn8BzB_QB-oqONgMSqZNR8AHae5TW-KWiWMd7Nvkr4iFrh1M3SNBytQ_aem_R2LLTf0cMeKAUgM3tLJRBg

Thank you to for your support with our kit (pics to follow once it arrives) and to .zerowaste for my fantastic reusable water bottle and thermos bottle definitely needed for training!)

I always love the 'handover'. Seeing the smiles and feeling the energy coming from people who are taking possession of the work that they have invested in is priceless.

A lot of people think that they may never own an original work of art, so for me, it's important to keep my work as affordable as possible. Yes, I have to cover my time and materials and relfect the expertise of the creative journey, but this shouldn't mean that you have to be 'rich' to own an original artwork.

My originals start from £150 and I offer interest-free instalments on all of my work with the final piece delivered on receipt of final payment. So, if you see anything you like in previous posts, just let me know, and we can make the necessary arrangements.

A sneaky peak at a commission I'm working on. Loving the way the layers are building. Another 5 went on today and it's coming along nicely

and her other half always see faces in my work, sees mice....what do you see?

Sometimes, I have to pinch myself to believe that this is so close and is my regular swim spot! The summer months always (and completely understandably) bring more people to the pond (I mean, who could resist?!), but the algae also comes to town! 😞 were making the most of it before swimming becomes unsafe and we have to swim elsewhere 🩵💦💙

When your buddies get the 'jump' memo! 🙌🩵😂💦