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The core of my practice centres on the ideas of repetition and flux. This was inspired by studying the geology of the UK. I disovered we occupy a harmoniously destructive and reconstructive world and this is most prevalent in coastal regions of the British Isles.
Landscape, viewed in the context of geology, has fascinations beyond the surface. The subterranean world directly influences the landscape above. With this in mind, I study areas in Britain that are easily accessible to me and with a strong geological intrigue. Wales established this intrigue as this is my homeland and where I first studied geology. Eroded mountains, once the size of the Himalayas, lie in the North, ghosts of coal industries scatter the South and 750 miles of coastline encompass much of it. The elements have carved this land, exposing the subterranean skeleton below. Water is the most powerful element, and with this in mind I ventured to Dorset to begin studying the way the sea interacts with land. The Lulworth series of works was born. Through paint I mimic geological processes, such as erosion, saturation, crystallisation and deposition, that I experience. The paintings are also a vehicle for inspiration, where drawing, cut-outs, written responses and scientific maps extend the geological fascination. Ultimately, can the work simultaneously communicate the intricacy of the atom and the Sublime of the cosmos? |
Artist in Residence 2011-2013
The residency at Ackworth School has introduced the use of local maps from the 1800s, a geology map of Britain from 1908 along with many discarded geography books from the Geography Department. Coal Mining became an obvious relationship between Caerphilly, where I have come from, to West Yorkshire, where I currently live. Mapping and contouring the drawings and paintings were a result. Creating contour models and relief works enables me to revisit the problem of communicating the subterranean landscape.
The residency at Ackworth School has introduced the use of local maps from the 1800s, a geology map of Britain from 1908 along with many discarded geography books from the Geography Department. Coal Mining became an obvious relationship between Caerphilly, where I have come from, to West Yorkshire, where I currently live. Mapping and contouring the drawings and paintings were a result. Creating contour models and relief works enables me to revisit the problem of communicating the subterranean landscape.
