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South West Art Captures Extreme Weather's Fury
15 Mar
Summary
- Artists documented extreme weather and record rainfall across the South West.
- Photographer Mike Newman captured dramatic coastal scenes intensified by sea level rise.
- Sound artist Kathy Hinde explored flooding through immersive hydrophone recordings.
The South West region has experienced a winter of extreme weather, with Cornwall recording its wettest conditions since records began. Artists have been inspired by the relentless storms and their impact on the landscape, documenting these changes through various mediums.
Photographer Mike Newman, who has over three decades of experience, captured dramatic coastal scenes intensified by higher waves attributed to sea level rise. He noted that storms like the 2014 Valentine's Day storm significantly impacted the coastline. Meanwhile, nature journaler Alex Boon sketched the flooded Axe Valley in East Devon, observing the daily routines of wildlife affected by the rising waters.
Sound artist Kathy Hinde explored the flooding through a unique auditory approach, using a hydrophone to capture the soundscapes of swollen rivers and canals. Her "deep listening" events aim to foster a deeper connection between people and their environment by focusing on often-unheard natural sounds.
Printmaker Charlie Thacker created prints from storm-damaged trees, preserving their forms, while environmentalist painter Kurt Jackson continued to document the intense changes in the Kenidjack Valley. These artists' works serve as powerful visual and auditory reminders of the evolving environment and the raw power of nature.
