tide in tide out on paper june loop.mov

FESCH.TV INFORMIERT:

Recent artworks relating to the River Severn are primarily about future flooding. Rising sea levels and other climate crises are predicted to overwhelm the landscape, as we know it, in the near future. The data I have used in my research indicates that the Arlingham Peninsula, and Rodley area, in Gloucestershire, will be mostly underwater by 2030. My films and prints attempt to picture the unimaginable.

My research at Gloucestershire Archives reveals that the path the water shall take will be not dissimilar to that of the tsunami of 1607.

“So violent and swift were the outrageous waves that in less than five hours’ space most of those countries (especially the places that lay low) were all overflown, and many hundreds of people, men, women and children, were quite devoured” (Gods’s Warning to his people of England, printed in 1607, by William Jones of Usk, Monmouthshire)

There is much discussion as to whether the wave was a surge or a tsunami, but whatever the descriptor, when it happened it was a huge shock to all in1607.

We are fortunate, we are aware of the risk of this happening again, in continuum. But are we prepared? Many agencies are doing their best to make sure we are, but do the public appreciate the impact it will have on them? On travel, housing, and businesses?

Recent artworks about the River Severn are primarily about future flooding. Rising sea levels and other climate crises are predicted to overwhelm the landscape, as we know it, in the near future. This will be mostly underwater by 2030.

Reduction linocuts gouge out the path of the flood water, as it negotiates the bend in the Severn. The edition of Future flooding 2022-2030 is limited, as is our time. I’ve developed a tremor in my hand, so it can rest on the surface as I draw, supported by the technique of cutting curves, giving a sense of flow.

I’ve made films using various online tools such as GoogleEarth and maps. The film TIDE IN, TIDE OUT is one of them. As the levels rise, the land will be eroded, when they flow out the land will be washed out to sea.

I have used drawing as a way of depicting this movement, using blackboards, paint, charcoal and water. My films are edited to reflect the drawn surface, making the film as rough as the land it presents, and the materials used in the making process. Digital made messy. Landscape sodden. Hills become islands.