Though now ‘in residence’ this Artist’s position doesn’t in fact involve moving house – and I appreciate that. I moved twice last year and that’s more than enough! It’s taken a bit more than a lick of paint to kick my new studio into shape, but it’s definitely worth it. I’m on the fellside in Dufton, the studio overlooks the village green, and at the back of my house, beneath the Pike, there is a partially converted barn for which I have ideas! Ultimately, it’s intended to contain a body of work about the Eden Valley and I’m hoping you’ll be able to enjoy watching as that begins to take shape.
As a full-time artist living in the North Pennines, my focus is on the landscape and the people that inhabit, affect and are affected by it. The figures are inspired by stories unearthed from Cumbria’s written history and before I begin to work on a new piece, I start with a connection – something that stirs an emotion. Details contained in original sources are often a motivating factor: perhaps just a few words in a diary, an illustration added to the bottom of a letter, or a physical description of a convict on a transportation document. When I have a good perspective on the story, I then work intuitively, drawing on cultural heritage, regional folk art, museum curiosities and the rural vernacular.
I think that each character is filtered through my life and experience of growing up in the mid-70s in a farming family on the ‘edgeland’ between town and country. I have always had a strong awareness of the land around me and became interested in how the countryside was changing and the conflicts this brings. I’m also a keen observer of people, always on the lookout for shared experiences and opportunities to find and promote connection through my work – both to one another and to the landscape.
I do love living and working in this great place, and am keen to share my joy and enthusiasm of that. I’ve just written a proposal for my next substantial body of work, so I’m hoping writing a regular post and sharing my work will keep me accountable as I progress. Having recently disabled my old website, I will be creating a new one soon but in the meantime if you would like to see more of my work, take a look on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dawnhurtonartist/?hl=en I’m always happy to chat.
