Staithes, North Yorkshire

A self-directed residency with artist Jenny Graham in Staithes, North Yorkshire 2016

This 2-week long self-directed research residency with fellow artist Jenny Graham in May/ June 2016 was based in an artists’ cottage right on the harbourside at Staithes. During the trip time was spent walking on the North Yorkshire Moors and coast. The trip coincided with fledging time for the kittiwake colony nesting in their thousands on the precarious cliff-faces. The fascination with the noise and activity of the birds in Staithes and also along the coast on the Farne Islands and at Bempton Cliffs RSPB reserve, was a key influence in the development of works during and since the visit.

Time spent walking the Cleveland Way and exploring the coast and shore was a catalyst for creating works which aim to balance the seemingly fragile and chaotic motion and transience of the birds against the apparent permanence of the cliffs and rocks. A chance encounter with geological researchers on Staithes shore provided excellent insights to the regional geology and environmental challenges.

Following this research trip, Jenny and Sara were invited to exhibit works derived from their time in Yorkshire at galleries in Staithes and Danby in 2018. A further research trip was conducted by both artists to the North York Moors in July 2017, deepening their engagement and understanding of this terrain.