I'm a painter and printmaker in Yorkshire. I’d love to inspire you to make deeper connections with nature and the outdoors, through art. You will receive a Get Inspired! email on a Sunday morning each month.
Metamorphosis With Peacock Wings
Published 15 days ago • 3 min read
Angie Rogers Artist
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Connecting you to Landscape, Nature and The Wild.
An Altercation With A Clapper Bridge.
Hello from the hills and valleys of Calderdale.
A wily old clapper bridge tried to kill me early in August, trolls not required.
Simple, ancient water crossings made of stone slabs are commonly found on the moorlands of Britain and there are a couple near Hebden Bridge. The one I nearly fell out with/off of, is a 17th century structure over Colden Clough, and part of the Pennine Way.
Two giant stones, long and parallel, set at weird angles - why would you bother to look at your feet when there is so much beautiful greenery and sparkling water to view instead?!
One second of distraction leading to weeks of hobbling on a sprained ankle. At least my strong arms saved me from falling down into the river. That wise old clapper bridge was giving me a life lesson - pay attention and don't be seduced by the sirens of nature unless your feet are firmly planted.
Metamorphosis
As August concludes and we start to edge out of summer, it’s not really an ending because September is for many a time for starting new endeavours, a time for change.
Its metamorphic life cycle makes a butterfly the perfect symbol of transformation, renewal and fresh ideas taking flight.
And thinking about this reminded me to tell you that there are now only 10 of my Peacock Butterfly folding booklets remaining. I'd be so happy if they all find a home.They make the perfect gift for a special person starting a course of learning, moving home, or taking on any kind of new challenge.
And to show my appreciation of you followers who support my work, I will include a complimentary greeting card.
The paper folds out from a 14 cm square cover to the full 26 cm sheet.
The greetings card features the same image.
I’ve made a new post on my website Journal (blog) with more details including a video showing the folding booklet in action and I tell the story of the inspiration behind the artwork, initiated during a walk on Blackstone Edge.
If you’re tired of hectic living and thinking about how to reconnect to the quiet place in your mind, start with the quiet place in the physical world, in the calm of nature.
High above the busy melée of Hebden Bridge, the meadows are peaceful.
Bringing The Outside In
Remember a while back I mentioned about less people bothering to pick wild fruit? Of course there are still plenty who do, especially round where I live. Hebden Bridge used to be renowned for its muesli knitters and yoghurt weavers but things have changed a bit, as they inevitably do, and foragers are more likely now to be hunting for Sloes to flavour their artisanal gin. Enthusiasts wanting good blackberries have to take notice and remember the most abundant brambles on their rambling around the valley. Ideally in the least obvious and out-of-the-way places.
This August has been well … fruitful! But unfortunately my injured ankle has largely curtailed the wild roving. However, on the beautifully sunny Bank Holiday I made it up a local hill using my walking poles and collected a couple of bowlfuls.
That’s Heptonstall church you can see in the centre distance.
I also found this unmistakeable Jay feather with a small amount of lovely azure blue. Does anyone else collect this kind of thing? Let me know your favourite.
Ripples
Thanks to lovely supporters Alice, Annie, Janet, Kate, Mell and Richard who responded to my previous email. I never feel sure I know what I’m doing here so It’s heartening to find my words can make sense to you. I love to hear about your recommendations for listening, seeing and doing as well as the natural wonders you have seen.
Can September really be almost with us? It seems too soon, we were just getting into the swing of summer living! But don’t be sad, it’s the ephemeral nature of everything that makes life so cherished. I’m choosing to look forward to the slow return of those numinous misty mornings, whilst holding on to the mellow days. And I hope you will too. All the best Angie
I'm a painter and printmaker in Yorkshire. I’d love to inspire you to make deeper connections with nature and the outdoors, through art. You will receive a Get Inspired! email on a Sunday morning each month.
