About
Working with processes that resemble the effects of the tides and weather, Pembrokeshire based artist Ruth Sargeant gathers material fragments of ceramic, cloth, old canvases, maps, paper, glue and wax and with melting, burning and singeing, assembles the piece of work. It may then be crushed, scored, scratched or further eroded to reveal underlying layers, or partially covered, buried with material, to trap or conceal what lies beneath. Abstract, richly textured and subtle images emerge memories of walks along windswept beaches, with the sea borne debris gathered between rocks.
Ruth was a B A (Hons) student in Carmarthen's West Wales School of Art, initially studying ceramics, some of which appear periodically to accompany her exhibitions or installations. But it is in the field of mixed media collage and painting that Ruth has developed her unique, multi-layered approach, wild in the execution with blow torch, knife and sandpaper, but deep in the thought processes underlying the work.
The work falls between rather than within the familiar boundaries of accepted genres or media. Viewers are likely to be caught in thoughtful examination of the small details and quiet consideration of the whole: a contemplative experience of the enigmatic surfaces, fully intended by the artist.
Ruth works instinctively, not keeping to a formula or strict order of process, and in direct response to a particular place. Thus for her each series of work represents that place, acknowledges her companion there, and bears in mind the destined location in this case the White Lion Street Gallery in Tenby.
