Ebb & Flow

About

I am rooted but I flow - Virginia Woolf

As an island nation, we have a strong connection with the sea. Take a walk to Rye Harbour on a winter's day and watch the wind whip the water into a frothing boiling turbulent mass, white horses riding the waves into shore. A few months later gentle waves ripple across the sand at nearby Camber. as the sun sets, the melancholy call of the seabirds passing through, low to the water, the beach deserted now after a busy day. A quiet time of contemplation. Hastings brings to mind Fishermen, wonderfully evocative craggy characters with weather-worn faces and gulls aplenty, trying to steal your fresh fish and chips. 

From wistful walks along the beach with the sound of the sea rhythmically echoing in the background, your thoughts wander ... and your imagination takes flight. Little wonder that our history is filled with stories of mermaids, myths and legends.

The English Coast is a constant source of inspiration for artists with it's rhythm and flow, rock pools and pebbles, big skies and constantly changing light. But we are equally connected to the rivers and marshes and we've included a touch of landscapes for those without sea legs!

With a mixture of detail, precision and rough abstract our artists interpret their emotive responses to the sea. Our selection of ceramics and jewellery takes inspiration from the colours and textures that evoke wind and water, the natural elements of coastal landscapes.

"After nearly 5 amazing years we have decided to close the doors on Artichoke Gallery at the end of Ebb & Flow on 14 September. Although we came up with this title before we had made the decision to leave Ticehurst, it feels very appropriate to end up as our last exhibition - as the power of the tides shift sand and rock, the landscape constantly changes and evolves, we move on.

It has been a huge pleasure to be part of the village and we are grateful for all the support and encouragement from both artists and visitors. 

Thank you ... Vicki, Liz and Louisa"