The Life Breath Song is the first of a three film cycle commissioned by the Scottish Poetry Library from Alastair Cook. The triptych is called “The Life Breath Songs - toward a nature poem, written by the people of Scotland", and is curated and arranged by Scotland’s Makar Kathleen Jamie and read by Eilidh Cormack. The cycle was directed and edited by Alastair with sound by Luca Nasciuti and cinematography by James William Norton.
Edinburgh-based artist Alastair Cook studied architecture at the Glasgow School of Art where he developed a focussed interest in video and photography. During his time in architectural practice, he developed skills in visual communication and project delivery that underpin a parallel development in his artistic practice.
Alastair has exhibited and screened internationally and has video and photographic artworks in several collections. His work in developing and sustaining relationships within tight-knit communities has elicited funding to work as artist-in-residence with organisations in Scotland, Lithuania and Norway.
He is founder of Documenting Britain, a supportive platform for young photographers and now an industry established benchmark for documentary photography. Alastair developed the artists’ moving image project Filmpoem to partner major institutions as well as independent cinemas and festivals. He is an active workshop teacher and visiting lecturer and has extensive experience of independent working, gathering of independent funding and success in exhibiting and screening work both in collaboration and as a solo artist.
As co-founding director of arts organisation North Light Arts, Alastair has delivered projects funded by Creative Scotland and Heritage Lottery Fund, leading a series of visual arts programmes supporting emergent and established artists. He currently lead arts consultancy Còmhla and sits on the council of the Society of Scottish Artists. As a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts he practices as an innovative arts contributor with a social conscience.