When I observe the tides, I see more than just the movement of water; I see a complex, silent interaction between the Earth, Moon, and Sun that connects our planet to the wider cosmos. This relationship between natural cycles and our daily lives is a major influence on my work.
In my art, I aim to capture the subtle rhythms of nature—the rise and fall of tides, the shaping of landscapes by rivers, and the steady presence of trees that witness these changes. My goal is to translate these transient moments into something tangible, encouraging viewers to engage with the world in a deeper, more attentive way.
A Process Guided by Observation
For me, the creative process begins with observing the natural world. Living on the banks of the River Dart in Devon, my daily life is shaped by the tides and the trees surrounding the water. This connection to nature informs and drives my artistic practice.
I am also inspired by places like the Thames, where the forces of nature and the city’s energy coexist. These landscapes demonstrate that natural movements are not random; they follow specific, predictable patterns. To explore these rhythms, I use tidal harmonics, a tool that predicts water cycles using sinusoidal waves. These mathematical patterns form the foundation of my work.
Series of Works: ‘Greenway Pier Tidal’ and ‘London Bridge Tidal’
Two of my series, ‘Greenway Pier Tidal’ and ‘London Bridge Tidal’, examine how landscapes are influenced by Earth’s position in the solar system. The gravitational forces between the Sun, Moon, and Earth create tidal patterns, with shifts in time and height each day. These cycles, which I predict using tidal harmonics, are central to these pieces.
In ‘Greenway Pier Tidal’, I documented the tides of the River Dart from midnight to midday over twelve days during the 2024 Out of Earth & Water exhibition. The work captures the tidal rhythms from my home on the Dart’s banks.
‘London Bridge Tidal’, inspired by tidal harmonics at Bankside Gallery, explores the flow of the Thames. This series examines the river’s movement within the context of London’s dynamic urban environment.
Both series blend scientific accuracy with artistic expression, offering a visual representation of the forces and patterns that shape these waterscapes.
The Movement of Life
Tides shape coastlines, ecosystems, and our lives in subtle ways that often go unnoticed. Through my work, I aim to highlight these connections and encourage a deeper reflection on the forces that shape our world. By exploring the rhythms of nature, I hope to remind viewers of the delicate balance between humanity and the Earth’s natural cycles.