‘At the heart of Somerset and giving the county its name, are the internationally important Levels and Moors. Among the lowest, flattest areas in the UK, they were once covered by sea apart from the curious mumps and mounds that rose above them as islands. Somerset is therefore ‘the land of the summer people’ as the rich grazing pastures of the Levels were only accessible in the drier months.’ www.visitsomerset.co.uk
Seasonal wet and dry periods create the rhythm of our world. A peek through the lens of deep geological time reveals longer-term rhythms of the land being concealed and revealed by the sea. As we become increasingly aware of the coming impact of the climate crisis on our delicately balanced ecosystems, our hearts seek to highlight and protect the beauty and life-giving importance of the land around us.
‘Found & Ground’ presents environment-focused artworks, including painting, printmaking, textiles, ceramics, photography and installation, by Summer Auty, Joanna Briar, Sara Dudman, Jess Egan, Sue Green, Carolyn Lefley, Kristen Lindop, Pen O’Gara, Sarah Rogers, Zoe Snape, Georgina Towler.
These Somerset artists share a commitment to interpreting and communicating some of the current environmental changes and challenges while celebrating Somerset’s natural environment. Together the artists and artworks shine a spotlight on Somerset’s landscapes and waterways and highlight the new and different pressures being placed on these sites by climate change and other human impacts.
The exhibition takes the viewer on a journey through this beautiful county, inviting us to reflect on our relationship with our natural environment.