Local Artists

Richard's profile...

"I am a self-taught land artist, sculptor and photographer based in Lancaster. My work usually consists of ephemeral sculptures made from natural materials found where the sculpture is made. What comes from nature soon returns to it, be it in a few short minutes, hours or days: everything is reclaimed by the sun, tide or wind. The photos are all that lingers. The photos themselves are an attempt to capture the most vital moment of the sculpture before the materials are reclaimed by nature.

I have studied in detail the work of Andy Goldsworthy and his art is my primary influence. I went through a period where I “served an apprenticeship” by trying to recreate some of his sculptures. This taught me a great deal about the many layers that make up land art. Now I have branched out from studying Goldsworthy’s work to
making my own original sculptures that reflect my own journey of discovery with art and nature.

My work focuses on the structures, processes and forms of nature and my sculptures attempt to reveal a fresh perspective on what we know about the materials and processes inherent in nature herself.

A particular tree during a particular autumn flush of colour may afford the opportunity to reveal all the colours of autumn. This chance may come only for a few days and during a particularly good season. Creating something from nature and then letting nature reclaim it, the cycle of life and the march of time; it is all these aspects, to feel immersed in nature and to make new discoveries, that makes land art such a fulfilling activity.

I get the most satisfaction from working intuitively. I like to arrive at a site and discover what materials are there. I want the ideas of what to make to be shaped by the location itself in an attempt to discover more about the place and more about the materials themselves. Whenever I do this it takes a few hours to become absorbed in the environment to the point where many more colours and forms are revealed that were not immediately apparent without that immersion. For example I could choose seaweed to work with and after a number of hours I will discover many different types and see how the colours change and fade in the sun. Some seaweed will be stranded above the high tide mark after a storm and the sun will harden it and change its colour. The sculptures I make are as much about the making as the end result. It would be nothing without the little discoveries I make as I create something. I hope some of this comes across in my sculptures and photos.

I am currently artist in residence at Beacon Fell Country Park but most of my work, unless you are in the right place and right time, can only be seen in my photos online. I am also available for commissioned work and you can contact me by email...

On occasion I make something less impermanent, and when I do I often publicise its location so people can visit."

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