All becomes clear
Last updated 05:37, Friday, 04 July 2008
The poet John Keats maintained that autumn was the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness but an exhibition which has opened this week aims to show that there is a misty atmosphere to Cumbria throughout the year.
The exhibition, entitled Seasons of Mists, features work by photographer Tommy Martin and ceramicist Syl Macro, all inspired by the mists and colours of the Lake District.
It is being held in the Upstairs Gallery at the Village Bakery, in Melmerby, near Penrith
The exhibition is Tommy’s first, and features photographs of the lakes, woodlands and rivers of the Eden Valley in misty conditions, not just in the autumn and winter but on the hazy mornings on the lakes in spring and summer.
Tommy, 38, is originally from Sussex but moved to Askham four years ago. He is inspired by the dim light in low-lying areas of Cumbria, rather than the peaks and fells of the county.
Tommy said: “My take is that it is misty in every season here. But most of what I shoot is in autumn and winter when the sun doesn’t get very high in the sky. I like that very low light.”
One favourite photograph was taken on the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, when the sun only just emerges above the horizon. Tommy said: “It was the River Lowther at midday, when there was just one tiny little shaft of light.”
Syl, 65, moved to the Lake District from Newcastle 20 years ago and produces pots, vases and wall-mounted pieces made from coloured clay – designs inspired by scenery of the Lake District and north Pennines.
Her work is textured as well as coloured, with shapes imprinted on the clay while it is still wet, so they can be appreciated by touch as well as sight.
Syl said: “My theme is the changing colours and patterns you see in the landscape. When you look out at the same scene it is amazing how many times it changes over the seasons and even during the day.”
All the work being exhibited is on sale. A limited edition of 20 of Tommy’s framed photographs are available at £95 each, and smaller A4 prints cost £32 each.
A book has also been published containing more than 100 of his photos, and is on sale at the gallery for £50.
The ceramics range in price from £25 to £200.
The exhibition run until Friday, August 29. Acrylic paintings of landscapes and gardens by the gallery’s artist in residence Christina Mingard are on permanent display.
The gallery is open every day, 8.30am-5pm. Admission is free.
