I recently found out that I have been accepted as one of the 10 finalists for the ‘SCAF Emerging Artist Award’! The exhibition is in October, and I have the next few months to produce an artwork based on the theme of ‘Climate’ and my submitted proposal.
Draft proposal: ‘For my piece I propose to get to know a selected place in one of Yorkshire’s neighboring National Parks, spend time there, hike in the landscape, camp and ultimately become familiar with the weather and the on-going changes. During this I would bring sketchbooks with me and gather marks, studies and notes to catalog all that I can while I’m immersed in the area; which will develop into the final work on canvas.’
I want to start by following on from my recent body of work ‘Tracks’, which was inspired by the rocky outcrops, and geology of the Peak District. When I think about the climate of a place, rocks immediately spring to mind, and how they have been shaped by the changing climate over millions of years. On the Kinder Plateau there are rocky outcrops sprinkled everywhere, it’s like a treasure hunt trying to discover them all. Every single formation is wildly different from the next, some of them don’t even look real; the ‘Wool Packs’ rock formation in particular looks like natures own sculpture park. Then the rocks on top of Kinder Low look like giant stacks of pancakes, they’re amazing. If you’re ever in the area it’s definitely worth the hike up to the plateau.
I also plan to increase the amount of time I spend out in the landscape and throw some camping into the equation! (Fingers crossed the weather is kind in August.) I adore long summer evenings, and I’d love to take it all in without the worry of making it back down before sunset and in my case, catching the train home. I also hope that being exposed to the elements when camping will help me respond honestly to the theme of ‘Climate’.