On the southern coastline of Islay lies the Ardbeg distillery, firmly anchored between sea and stone. In this edited photograph, I have tried to capture the atmosphere of the place as I have experienced it myself: quiet, rugged, and full of character. The white walls of the distillery stand out brightly against the cool blue of sky and water, with the name painted large on the facade as if it has always been there. The painterly style in which I elaborated this image reinforces that sense of timelessness, with soft brushstrokes, flowing colours and a certain calmness in the composition.
What appeals to me so much about Ardbeg is the contrast between simplicity and strength. The buildings are functional, robust, but their location on the edge of the island gives them something poetic. You feel the wind, smell the salt and peat, and hear only the water and the occasional seagull. For me, this is a place where craftsmanship and landscape are one. This image is a tribute to that harmony, and to the character of Islay itself.
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…