Artists Document a Winter of Extreme Weather Across the South West
From giant waves crashing in Penzance to flooded valleys in Devon, artists throughout the South West have been capturing a winter marked by extreme weather that shattered rainfall records and altered the region's landscape.
The Met Office reported that Cornwall experienced its wettest winter since records began, with storms such as Goretti, Ingrid, and Chandra delivering persistent rain and turbulent seas.
Despite challenging conditions, artists across the area ventured into the elements to document the evolving scenery through mediums including photography, printmaking, painting, and sound.
'Incredible to see'
The winter brought a succession of storms to Cornwall, creating dramatic scenes for photographer Mike Newman, who has been capturing the coastline for over 30 years.
Newman, both a surfer and photographer, leverages his knowledge of wave formations to anticipate the most striking moments.
"Everyone else is running away and hiding but I will go out.
The burst of spray going up over a 200ft cliff is incredible to see."
He has observed an increase in storm intensity and remains cautious about safety.
"Sea level rise makes the waves hit higher,"
"The Valentines Day storm in 2014 chewed this prom right up."
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) advises the public to avoid wet and slippery cliff edges, seafronts, and beaches during stormy weather.
Artists Recording Flooding
The flooding this winter transformed fields, rivers, and valleys across the South West.
In East Devon, nature journaller Alex Boon began sketching the flooded Axe Valley from his home near the River Coly when roads became impassable.
Boon documents the waterlogged landscape’s changes in his nature journal through sketches and paintings.
"I've been following it (the flooding) down the Axe Valley from the top of the hill at Kilmington right down to Seaton Wetlands and estuary,"
he says.
His journals contain numerous illustrations focused on the daily routines of wildlife along the riverbank affected by the flooding.
Sound artist Kathy Hinde found inspiration in waterways pushed to their limits by weeks of rain.
She approaches flooding uniquely—by listening to it.
Hinde uses an underwater microphone called a hydrophone, placing it into rivers and canals to allow listeners on her guided walks to experience the altered soundscape created by swollen waterways.
Her "deep listening" events along the Exeter Canal were featured in the Ripple Effects Micro Festival.
"I put the hydrophone in and we all discover at the same moment,"
Hinde says.
"It's really to invite people to focus in on listening and be curious about the sound worlds we don't normally hear."
She hopes these experiences foster a stronger connection with the environment.
"You start listening, you start noticing and you care."
Storm Goretti’s high winds in January felled numerous trees across west Cornwall.
Woodworker and printmaker Charlie Thacker created prints from cedar rings and fallen branches, inking them directly from storm-damaged trees.
Thacker preserves the shapes of these trees by soaking and heating the wood before making ink impressions at his studio in Gweek.
"It's sad so many landmarks have been affected.
Especially places like St Michael's Mount.
It feels like you can make something beautiful (with these prints) from such a devastating occurrence."
For environmentalist and painter Kurt Jackson, the Kenidjack Valley has been a source of inspiration for over 35 years.
This winter intensified his observations of its changes.
Jackson frequently paints "en plein air," with raindrops adding texture to his work.
"The Tregeseal River or stream is what's known as a flash river.
It suddenly fills up and releases this energy downstream. But what's happening now… it's been relentless.
This thundering mass of water has been pouring down here… a daily event really, definitely for this winter."
The recent storms have not only reshaped the landscape but also inspired new creative expressions.
Motivated by the storms’ power, this art will serve as a lasting reminder of the evolving environment.
From flooded roads to damaged homes, the recent storms have left many residents seeking clearer explanations. If you have weather-related questions for BBC South West's senior meteorologist David Braine, you can submit them here, and he will provide insights.
