The White Christmas Squirrel's Message To You
A bonus post as you stockpile your winter nuts
Squirrels are rats with good PR, a friend once said. Gulls, of course, are rats with wings. Poor rats! Those smart, amazing creatures get so little love. But back to squirrels: the one I found this week, rushing about madly stockpiling food, much like a pre-Christmas human, was particularly special. Just look at it!
Only one in every 100,000 grey squirrels has albinism, so this one is a bit of a freak, yet it doesn’t know how rare and special it is.
After a tip-off from a subscriber, I walked with them to a secret location in Edinburgh to witness the beautiful creature.
The only images taken of it so far were phone pics, pixelated or at a distance. Armed with my trusty 500mm f4, I spotted the squirrel and crept closer as it sped around unawares. My artistic aim – and the aim of this newsletter – has always been to magnify the wonder of life, telling global stories through daily life – and fluffy-tailed rodents.
As you rush headlong after chestnuts and other treasures this Christmas, take a moment to reflect and remember that you too, among billions of other humans, are unique and special. And so are all the other freaks of nature around the festive dinner table.
A year in review
I have had so much fun sharing new work here and hopefully giving you, dear reader, a fresh window out into the world. Over the course of 2025, I have:
Published neolithic discoveries on Orkney
Embarked on a new series, Gulls of Greatness
Travelled the US in search of a heavenly city and new Gingers
Exhibited at the V&A Dundee in the Garden Futures show
Created my first permanent chapel art work (preview next month)
Reflected on the history of ideas in photography.
Written weekly newsletters (There are now over 80 articles online.)
All, in great part, thanks to supporters’ words of encouragement and also for your cold, hard cash! One paid subscriber donated a one-off payment towards a studio day in California because they believed my Gingers work was worth doing. Amazing. Whether walking with squirrels or shooting in a studio, trying new things helps me create new stories that prompt new ways of thinking. Here’s to more in-person collaboration in 2026!
Please do consider becoming a paid subscriber to this newsletter, or gifting an annual subscription to a friend.
I also have prints and other physical items for sale. They make great presents!
Give a one-off gift to help with a project or fund my hot chocolate addiction.
Into 2026
In early January, I will be in NYC for two screenings and a panel discussion, talking about my New Jerusalem work. If you are in the area, please do get in touch and I can send you the details. I look forward to meet the local rats too!
All images © Kieran Dodds 2025