Slow spring

and a solo show of Unseen

After months of hibernation I feel a slow reawakening. The light is creeping back, days are lengthening and the sun is warming the earth ready for new growth. It’a a wonderful anticipatory time.

Although the skies are brighter these past few days, we’ve had some relentless rainfall down here in Sussex. The rivers are running fast and high. I walk along the river Lavant two or three times a week; a chalk winterbourne that has well and truly burst its banks. Footpaths are submerged and fields have become ponds. I’m quite mesmerised by this river and hope to walk the length of it one day, perhaps in the summer when it isn’t so deep and flowing so fast. By August it’s bone dry in places so that could be something to aim for.

Unseen exhibition - 6th - 28th March

I am really excited to be heading north later this week for a solo show at In A Land Gallery, Hebden Bridge. If you are in the area do come along. There’s a private view on the Friday evening 6pm - 8pm when I will be delivering a talk and presentation.

The work on show is a series of photographs I took during a year of walks in and around Sussex. Walking on the key dates of nature’s calendar, I went in search of the sublime and spirit of place. I visited ancient places, like Windover Hill and Chanctonbury Ring, walking intuitively, attuned to the atmospheres and documenting my experiences through words and pictures. In 2024 I published a photobook of the work - Unseen: In Search of the Sublime and Spirit of Place. There is a beautiful essay by author and artist Justin Hopper who really captures what I’m trying to capture. I shall have some books and zines and prints with me when I head up to Hebden Bridge but if you’d like to know more about my Unseen project, and possibly pick up a publication, feel free to have a root around my website - rachelpoulton.com

I’ll be back around the time of the spring equinox with a longer ramble but in the meantime here is a live version of a song I tend to hum and sing as I wander the riverbanks. It’s as mesmerising as the water.