This work results from a time where I have begun to explore, record and celebrate a pocket of farmland between Hamsey and Cooksbridge that is earmarked for development. It has been a chance for me to connect with the location and to examine my confused understanding around the genuine need for housing and an equal importance to preserve green spaces, starting a conversation about these seemingly opposing agendas. 

 

Inspired by this quote from David Attenborough 

 

“No one will protect what they don't care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced”

 

I have entered into a creative dialogue with the plants and creatures that populate the area, by closely observing either a specimen or a photograph of them and making a clay ‘sketch’. Botanists, entomologists and zoologists would shake their head at my attempt to capture the appearance of my subjects. My approach of working quickly, using clay and attempting to abandon preconceptions, prevent a photographic resemblance, but my clay sketch is telling my subject that I’ve listened to it, and this is what I understand about its essence.

 

Seeking a connection to the land has led me to explore the type of materials I could use. Thanks to a kind donation I have been able to use clay from Hamsey that was a byproduct of some building activity.

 

This work is ongoing.

 

My thanks go to Sara Howard and Jennie Lathbury for sharing their considerable knowledge and for helping me to test my ideas.

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