Phil Goss

“I first visited Camber Sands in January 2019 when I was living in St Leonards-on-Sea. The dunes were deserted and the wind had erased all human traces. The low winter sun cast dramatic shadows in the hollows, giving them an otherworldly feel.

The dunes had a mystery and theatricality about them like a stage set or music video. The landscape seemed to be waiting for a wandering troupe to cross it. The long grasses being moved by the wind created mesmerising patterns. It was as if the grass and wind were inseparable.

The works I made try to capture the excitement and potential of the landscape I felt that day The wondering figures I borrowed from Derek Jarman’s ‘The Tempest’. I was drawn to the timelessness of the figures, so we are not entirely sure where they are from. Other elements from my life infused with my impressions of the Camber such as a Caliban-like flatmate or a wind-ravaged pine tree on a greek island.

The images are made by carving wooden blocks which are then hand-painted. Paper is then soaked in water and an impression is taken, transferring the pigment from the block onto the paper. The block must be repainted each time meaning each print is unique.”

All enquiries: ryeartgallery@gmail.com

or telephone: 01797 222433