Starting On Dartmoor…
As many of you know, I have a solo art exhibition planned for October and the theme is the unique landscape that is Dartmoor. Wild, rugged tors, meandering streams and wooded valleys, not to mention the beautiful wildlife and the fascinating folklore are just a few of the elements you can expect to see in this collection. This one has been in my mind for such a long time and I am so excited to finally bring it to life.
This is how the process begins. The colour palette. The materials. The vision.
Every artist has their medium and mine is textile. Salvaged materials and rescued fabrics are the main components of my art and here are the key colours and said materials, waiting to be transformed into vibrant moorland artworks.
A textile colour palette.
Colour is an essential factor when telling the story of any theme Not only does it add depth and emotion to the narrative but it also gives a distinctive identity to a body of work, helping to express the artist's vision. Colour contributes to a cohesive feel when it comes to presenting the artwork, creating a harmonious connection between the various elements and enhancing the overall experience for the viewer.
These colours and textures will beautifully represent the diverse landscape, unique flora, vibrant fauna, and fascinating geology of the stunning, rugged landscape of Dartmoor in Devon. It’s undeniably a perfect subject for a textile artist – every element of the moors is filled with intricate texture that sparks my creative mind.
A little peek at the start I have made on this exciting new collection. Years of walking and immersing myself in the stunning landscapes of this beautiful corner of the world are significant influences on these new pieces. Dedicating a body of work to capture the spirit of Dartmoor is going to be such a fulfilling project for me personally. I have plenty of walks in in mind to capture inspiration (on top of the many hundreds I already have!) . I’m also enjoying researching too - there is always something to learn. History, folklore, endangered wildlife are all on my current reading list!
Why do I love this special place so much? Well, For me, it’s the peace and calm. The beautiful mind clearing silence and unspoilt nature for company. It’s the perfect way to clear and refresh my mind, breathe in the freshest of air and immerse myself in the intricacies of nature.
The moor transforms dramatically with each season, with each one bringing a unique and fresh character to the ever-changing landscape.
Dartmoor is a theme I have visited previously. These particular pieces are from several years ago, so it will be intriguing to personally see how my artistic style and techniques have evolved since that time.
Foxgloves On Saddle Tor
‘Into The Wild’ opens at Wildwood Arts Gallery on 5th October and will run for two weeks. This enchanting gallery in the heart of Dartmoor is the perfect venue to showcase this collection and I’m so excited!
In the meantime, I’ve work to do!!