Deep Time: Rock & Water - artists in Pembrokeshire
Rock exists in deep time. Rock forms the landscape and water shapes it. In Pembrokeshire rocks have been exposed by the sea and deep valleys gouged by melting ice sheets. Early settlers created monumental rock structures and the bluestones for Stonehenge were cut from the Preseli Hills. The beauty, light and spirituality of Pembrokeshire has attracted artists from Turner to the many that work there today.
Our collective of British artists have been drawn to Pembrokeshire. John Knapp-Fisher and Gwylim Prichard were both painters of 'place', they painted the landscape around them. John Knapp-Fisher lived and worked in Pembrokeshire for over 50 years. Gwylim Prichard, a Welsh painter known for his rugged landscapes, settled in Pembrokeshire in later life.
Graham Sutherland and John Piper were artists that used a variety of styles and media throughout their lifetime. They found inspiration in Welsh landscape, and especially Pembrokeshire, from the 1930s. As Second World War artists they also found solace in Wales during and after the war. Graham Sutherland explored the small deep valleys in the countryside, especially around St Bride's Bay. He took his inspiration from small subjects that he found in nature which he transformed into paintings, often with religious significance. He said 'It was in this country that I began to learn painting'. [1] John Piper's second wife Myfanwy's family came from Pembrokeshire, and the Pipers visited there, moving to South Wales in 1939. Piper was fascinated by geology and the rich, varied landscapes of Wales. The rivers and lakes of South and Mid-Wales and the rugged mountains of North Wales inspired some of his best paintings. He often cited the geology of the subject alongside the painting or drawing.
Christine Seymour is an artist with an interest in nature and geology. Pembrokeshire provides a wealth of opportunities for painting, which is mirrored by the Malvern Hills, where she lives. She says 'I love the rugged hills and cliffs of North Pembrokeshire. The landscape is transformed from mild tranquillity to wildness in minutes as the weather sweeps in from the sea. This is also true of the Malvern Hills, often gentle and benign but constantly changed by racing clouds and rain.'
In general our artists, although coming from middle-class backgrounds, were not encouraged to become artists and in some cases faced parental disapproval. They found income from other sources such as teaching, illustration, and writing, although all had achieved recognition for their painting by the time of their death.
Our collective of British artists have been drawn to Pembrokeshire. John Knapp-Fisher and Gwylim Prichard were both painters of 'place', they painted the landscape around them. John Knapp-Fisher lived and worked in Pembrokeshire for over 50 years. Gwylim Prichard, a Welsh painter known for his rugged landscapes, settled in Pembrokeshire in later life.
Graham Sutherland and John Piper were artists that used a variety of styles and media throughout their lifetime. They found inspiration in Welsh landscape, and especially Pembrokeshire, from the 1930s. As Second World War artists they also found solace in Wales during and after the war. Graham Sutherland explored the small deep valleys in the countryside, especially around St Bride's Bay. He took his inspiration from small subjects that he found in nature which he transformed into paintings, often with religious significance. He said 'It was in this country that I began to learn painting'. [1] John Piper's second wife Myfanwy's family came from Pembrokeshire, and the Pipers visited there, moving to South Wales in 1939. Piper was fascinated by geology and the rich, varied landscapes of Wales. The rivers and lakes of South and Mid-Wales and the rugged mountains of North Wales inspired some of his best paintings. He often cited the geology of the subject alongside the painting or drawing.
Christine Seymour is an artist with an interest in nature and geology. Pembrokeshire provides a wealth of opportunities for painting, which is mirrored by the Malvern Hills, where she lives. She says 'I love the rugged hills and cliffs of North Pembrokeshire. The landscape is transformed from mild tranquillity to wildness in minutes as the weather sweeps in from the sea. This is also true of the Malvern Hills, often gentle and benign but constantly changed by racing clouds and rain.'
In general our artists, although coming from middle-class backgrounds, were not encouraged to become artists and in some cases faced parental disapproval. They found income from other sources such as teaching, illustration, and writing, although all had achieved recognition for their painting by the time of their death.
Disclaimer: This artists' collective has been created for educational purposes only. While the members are real artists, they have been brought together as a fictitious group to highlight their relationship with Pembrokeshire.