Cumbrian Mining Paintings
As with the Window paintings, there is something unique about having a direct, on-the-spot 'conversation' with the subject matter. Everything happens in that moment, before the weather changes, before the heavens open, before the sun goes in. To work fast, to attempt to not just record but to also imagine being a part of the subject you are looking at - this is what is interesting me.
I spent months venturing up to the old mining areas scattered across Cumbria, some of which date back to the Elizabethan period. Tucked away everywhere are old mining entrances, dams and gunpowder houses, alongside the more familiar stone walls, shepherd huts and sheep-pens.
These paintings were then followed by a more reflective project, The Story of We, which explored the creative and collaborative spirit of the mining restorers I spend time with.
I spent months venturing up to the old mining areas scattered across Cumbria, some of which date back to the Elizabethan period. Tucked away everywhere are old mining entrances, dams and gunpowder houses, alongside the more familiar stone walls, shepherd huts and sheep-pens.
These paintings were then followed by a more reflective project, The Story of We, which explored the creative and collaborative spirit of the mining restorers I spend time with.
On Braithwaite common, oil on canvas 60cmx40cm
Powder House, Gate Gill, Blencathra, (mined for lead and zinc), oil on board, 40cmx60cm
Hodge Close Quarry (mined for slate), oil on canvas, 80cmx80xm
Grainsgill Beck, Carrock Mines (mined for lead, copper, arsenic, tungsten), oil on canvas, 60cmx60cm