By Ruth Le Cocq
A FASCINATION with Jersey’s unique rocks and sediments prompted printmaker Anne Chowne to create a range of collagraphs which are on display at an ArtHouse Jersey Pop Up exhibition at Grève de Lecq Barracks this weekend, 13 and 14 January.
She highlights the beauty of extant volcanic activity, wave cut platforms, mineral veins and sedimentary deposits by seeking out unique patterns and colours thus encouraging us to contemplate the significance of environmental phenomena.
‘Every pebble has a life story and a geological context,’ said Anne. ‘How much time do we give to looking closely at rocks, which are the foundations of the natural environment, and the stories they can tell us?
She explained that Jersey was at the western limit of an interglacial ‘mammoth plain’ that extended from the steppes of Asia to Normandy.
‘My work invites viewers to consider the geological connectedness of mainland Europe with offshore islands and to imagine what lies under the Normanno-Breton Gulf. What evidence of this can we see in the intertidal zone amongst the sediments left stranded by the tides at St Ouen’s Bay?’
Anne, who trained at Bath Spa University and taught at UCL Institute of Education, became fascinated with Jersey geology after seeing some photographs of the Island’s rock formations and reading one of Ralph Nichols’ geology trail books.
‘In deciphering what has been in situ for millennia and what the sea may have transported, I reflect on the importance of art in raising awareness of these ancient processes, fostering a deeper connection to the stories embedded in our surroundings,’ she said.
In 2019 Anne presented a poster of silkscreen and collagraph prints for a UNESCO European Geoparks conference in Seville entitled ‘Jersey Rocks from an Artist’s Perspective’.
She is looking forward to welcoming ‘anyone and everyone’ at a preview on Friday 12th January between 5pm and 7pm and over the weekend between 10am and 5pm. To see further examples of Anne’s work please visit her website www.annechowne.art.
One Response
How amazingly fascinating to understand the art that Anne Chowne is creating, to help us reflect on the ground that we stand on. Something we take for granted to be solid, permanent and will always be there to support us. How beautiful and totally transforming to realise that it is one world, one love. We need to cherish and protect it.
Thank you Anne! We look forward to see more of your creations.
Darnelle