River Lea: Blue Traces explores the prevalent surface-level approaches to ecological restoration along the River Lea, drawing on the insights of Dilip da Cunha's The Invention of Rivers (2018) and William Cronon's The Trouble with Wilderness or Getting Back to the Wrong Nature (1995). Da Cunha challenges traditional perceptions of rivers as linear entities, while Cronon critiques the romanticised notion of "pristine" nature, emphasising the significant role of human activity in shaping ecological systems.

Employing the cyanotype process, this project juxtaposes the river's pollution-induced degradation with its gradual, small-scale recovery. By utilising materials collected from the River Lea—such as plants, soil, and waste—the cyanotype artworks reflect the intricate complexities of ecological healing. This approach advocates for ongoing, incremental restoration efforts over large-scale, short-term interventions, encouraging a more nuanced and sustainable engagement with the river's ecosystem.