A new body of work by artist Terry Flower at The Mill Tye Gallery, runs from 3 June – 31 July and comprises over 30 photographic works, poetry and bookworks, all inspired by walking the river Stour.

   The colour photographs and poems capture the essence of place. They offer the viewer the chance to join the artist in quiet meditation upon the natural beauty of the area and its potential to offer solace by joining the artist in nature.

One of my regular local walks is to travel the short footpath along the Stour that runs from Sudbury to Cornard. This walk joins urban to suburban via a gentle stroll in nature and the beside the Stour. For me it never ceases to inspire. It’s a modest walk through a modest landscape that offers so much to the mind and human spirit especially when we slow to rivers pace.

The photographic works comprise three elements: With one body the viewer is drawn in with a recognisable location and is invited to immerse themselves in the familiar. In another complimentary body of work, inspired by reflections coming up from the river, parts are less distinct.

These works invite the viewer to see differently; a back and forth of perception between what is seen as real and the unreal begins a mindful loop that plays with cognisance as the overlapping of elements inspire an intermingling dialogue between rational and irrational.

With this state comes a third element: an orientation of the heart as the viewer is asked to take on-board contradictory dimensions of reality at the same time creating a uniquely personal interpretation. At this moment the viewer becomes participant; involved with the creative process too.

Very often it’s as simple as taking time to notice the overlooked or disregarded elements in nature. It’s out there, happening every day.

   Alongside the exhibition Flower will be running workshops titled: Time-out, responding to landscape. These will give an insight into his working practices: in combination with a talk about the work he will lead workshops for participants to create small bookworks inspired by the show and the location. See website for details.  

Dates available:Tuesday 14 June 9:30am to 12:30pm Thursday 16 June 9:30am to 12:30pm Thursday 30 June 6pm to 9pm. Price: £48 per person/each workshop

By touching the land we make a link with a common past that accepted the wider view: all is one the universe is not about you.