One of the most fulfilling aspects of my work as an artist is the opportunity to indulge in two of my greatest passions: travel and history. Each of my digital landscape designs carries with it a story, and I take immense pleasure in researching the hidden histories behind British landscapes and landmarks that form part of my collections. By weaving together the past and present of these places, I can capture not just their visual beauty, but also their hidden histories. It’s this combination of art and storytelling that breathes life into my prints and makes them so much more than simple depictions of the landscape.
History and Geography: A Lifelong Passion
Before I ventured into the world of digital landscape design, I earned a degree in history and geography. These two subjects have always fascinated me, offering a lens through which we can understand the development of the world around us – both physically and culturally. From ancient Britons to medieval monarchs, the way people have interacted with their environment over millennia continues to shape our landscapes today.
Understanding the layers of history beneath a place enriches my creative process. It gives depth to my work, allowing me to think beyond what we see on the surface. From a historical standpoint, places mean different things to different people. A landmark that appears to be just a charming bit of countryside might hold deep, personal significance to someone else – a site of family picnics, a wedding proposal, or the final resting place of a loved one. These are the hidden layers of meaning that I strive to uncover in my art.
The Stories Behind My Prints
As I travel across the UK, I make it my mission to learn as much as I can about the locations I’m capturing. Whether it’s a stretch of the coast, a rolling hill, or an ancient building, I want to know what makes that place special, both in terms of its historical context and the personal connections people have to it. My current collection on my website reflects this.
Take, for instance, my depiction of Lyme Regis. It’s a quaint seaside town, famous for its fossils and beautiful coastline. But it’s also a place rich in history. The town played a crucial role during the English Civil War and was once a bustling centre of maritime trade. When I created my print of The Cobb, a historic harbour wall, I thought about the generations of sailors who set sail from there and the romanticism that the location has inspired over the years. For many, Lyme Regis is a place where childhood memories of summer holidays are formed, while for others, it holds the nostalgic beauty of a bygone era. It certainly holds many significant hidden histories.
Similarly, when I designed my prints of the Peak District, I delved into the history of the region’s mills, mines, and industrial past. But there’s also something spiritual about the Peaks, a connection with the land that’s as ancient as the hills themselves. The Druids once worshipped here, and centuries later, it became the playground of Victorian adventurers. Every inch of this region tells a story, from the footsteps of its first inhabitants to today’s visitors seeking solace in its wild beauty, and I have many more ideas to add to this collection.
Creating Personal Connections Through Art
What I love most about landscape art is how it allows me to create a lasting emotional connection between people and places. Each location I choose to represent in my work means something different to everyone. Some people are drawn to my prints because they’ve been to that exact spot and it holds personal memories for them. Others are moved by the scenery itself, connecting to the image even if they’ve never physically been there.
These hidden histories and personal connections give my art its soul. They transform a simple landscape into something much more meaningful – a lasting memory of a place that, for whatever reason, holds a special significance. It’s a way of capturing not only the physical beauty of a location but also the emotional resonance that it has for those who’ve experienced it.
The Historical Past
I’ve always been fascinated by historic buildings, their hidden histories and and the stories they hold. From grand stately homes to modest cottages, each structure is a testament to the people who designed, built, and lived within them. I love imagining what life must have been like for those who walked the halls centuries ago. Who lived in these homes? What were their lives like? How did they shape the building’s purpose? Often, these buildings were designed with function and beauty in mind – whether as homes, places of worship, or centres of industry – and they offer a unique glimpse into the social and economic fabric of their time.
Many historic buildings have faced periods of neglect, falling into ruin as times changed and their original purposes became obsolete. However, what fascinates me most is how so many have been revived and preserved, allowing the public to step inside and experience the past firsthand. A perfect example is Dunster Castle in Somerset, which I reference in my Scenes from the South West Collection. This once-ruined medieval fortress has been restored and opened to visitors, showcasing not only the original Norman architecture but also centuries of additions that reflect changing architectural styles and tastes. I love learning about these architectural layers, how Georgian, Victorian, or even modern elements have been incorporated over time, each addition adding a new chapter to the building’s history. These preserved sites keep history alive, connecting us with the past in ways that are both educational and deeply personal.
Looking to the Future: International Horizons
While my work has so far focused on UK landscapes, I’m eager to explore international locations in my art. I will apply the same level of research and passion to places outside the UK, uncovering the histories of foreign landscapes and landmarks that have their own unique stories to tell. The prospect of expanding my artistic journey beyond Britain’s shores is both exhilarating and a little daunting – but I know that the same principles of history, memory, and place will guide me, wherever the location may be.
The Journey Continues
For me, creating art isn’t just about capturing a moment in time; it’s about telling the story of a place. From the ancient Britons to the people who live in these areas today, I love exploring how and why certain landscapes continue to resonate with us on a personal and emotional level. I look forward to uncovering more hidden histories as I continue to travel, research, and create –both in the UK and beyond.
