Retracing A Stillness

Retracing A Stillness

As a photographer I am drawn to nature’s landscape whether that be a woodland, moorland or a coastline. As my work has developed over the last few years, I have been particularly drawn to the coastline of my home along the North Yorkshire Coast and its heritage. There’s something so nourishing, inspiring, when visiting the shoreline, breathing in the air, and being aware of standing on the very edge of the country. I am inspired by the history, still present, in the old small fishing villages of the North Yorkshire Coastline. I like to visit these villages early in the morning before any of the locals have risen or seasonal visitors arrive. Standing at the shorelines and harbours at this time, everything is quiet and still, and only the sea is moving. This stillness allows you to observe and appreciate the layers of history. 

As my practice has developed, I have become increasingly interested in the relationship between photography and painting. I find the conversation between these two art forms fascinating. This has led me to research and explore the genre of Pictorialism and the inspiration behind Impressionism from the early 20th Century. Not only retracing the footsteps of artists but also the fisherfolk who lived within these villages. From this I am interested in representing the stillness of the paintings and photographs of this time and how a still image can create movement and evoke a sensory response. By blending these two art forms, I’m aiming to create atmospheric images that go beyond techniques used within traditional photography, exploring outcomes that are atmospheric and emotive and capture a level of sensitivity to a time past.

Ava Hunter

BA Hons Photography

Manchester School of Art.