Art can be really earthy.....

Peter Ward is an artist with a keen interest in the locality and its geological origins, and he gave a hugely informative and entertaining talk to Coastwise members.
One definition of art lies around the understanding of nature and its interpretation, and Peter's particular love is using local rock and earth to create the colours and themes for his work.
Peter also has a keen interest in local history and he gave members an overview of the Bideford Black mining industry, linking this to its uses in manufacturing as well as art. Members learned quite how many hints to this old industry lie in Bideford street names, and where the vestiges of the industry can still be seen.
Peter knows the region well, and members were told where the various pigments originated, such as Malachite from Heasley Mill to give a green from its cuprous base, umber from Combe Martin ferric oxide, and a range of greys from local Carboniferous mudstones containing Iron Sulphide.

The photo (R) shows the astonishing range of colours available in one location, but Peter rightly warned of the dangers of indiscriminate use, causing erosion.The painting uses a range of colours, starting at the centre with Bideford Black, and moving away from Bideford towards the outside ring which uses pigment from Heasley Mill.

(Photo and art courtesy of Peter Ward)