Sand in the lens

10:36am Wednesday 19th March 2008

PHOTOGRAPHER Amanda Harman is launching an exhibition of her new work at Hobbs House Bakery in Nailsworth on Saturday.

Tidal Reach is inspired by the transformative effect of the tide and the endlessly changing light, on the mud flats and sand banks of the North Somerset coast.

Described as 'tranquil, meditative and calming', these closely observed, muted and pared down compositions explore the shifting relationship of beach, sea and sky.

"The work echoes a childhood spent at Chichester harbour, and although the location is different, the strong tidal currents and the play of light on the vast expanses of shining mud exposed at low tide are very familiar and almost ubiquitous along certain stretches of the British coastline," said Amanda.

"One day a week I would travel to Burnham on Sea as an escape from the inner city estate in Bristol where I was working. The beach would be practically deserted and I would walk and watch and wait, for the light, for the tide and for the wind to drop, becoming absorbed in the constantly moving and changing environment."

An experienced and insightful photographer of people and places, Amanda Harman has worked on commissions and projects for galleries, museums, charities and private clients since graduating from Surrey Institute of Art and Design in 1985 with a first class degree. Her work has been exhibited widely in the UK and in Europe, and is held in a number of collections, including the V & A.

www.amandaharman.co.uk

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