words

 “The Stanton Moor Project”  notes. 

In Search of Natural Harmony” (1)

                                                                                                                                       Landscape and music / music and landscape .Two themes that blend together to inspire a sense of place , mystery ,  emotion  and spirituality in art. For me these themes are vital.

The Stanton Moor Project has been germinating in my “womb” for many months. Wandering among the ancient stones and pathways under vast endless skies, meditating among the silver birch trees and ancient oaks ,whatever the season or time of day the landscape is truly magnificent and stirs the ancient within. The Oak Tree watches over “The Nine Ladies “ and is often festooned with colorful tokens, gifts and offerings “ The One Who Bears Gifts” (2).

Approaching the task of giving a voice to the place was exciting. “ Winter’s Bone” ( 45 ) , “Ancient Ways” and “ 3 More..” (12 & 13) use found materials from the moor sand, crushed heather branches, bark and dry leaves as does “ Summoning the Storm” (5  ) . The Corkstone standing as an ancient guardian watching over the moor . “Corkstone Blues”  ( 26 ) and “ Crowstone” (  22 ) follow the same theme. The seasons bring changes “ Fog on the Barrow Downs” (  26 ) is inspired by  “The Fellowship of the Ring” by Tolkien and is a track title from the l/p “The Lord of the Rings” by Bo Hansson and has the sense of the quiet Autumn days that are waiting for winter’s cloak to arrive . “Veedon Fleece” (  20) the title of a Van Morrison composition as is “Haunts of Ancient Peace” (11) follow similar themes.”Northern Sky” by Nick Drake inspired this fantasy sunset (9)

“There’s a Feeling I get When I look to the West” ( 14) is a line from Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” .Standing on Stanton Moor as the sun sets in the West  is a breathtaking experience. 

Pathways seem to appear from nowhere among the birch trees and exploring them is always special “ Not All Those Who Wander are Lost”(  6  ) . “The Nine Ladies “ are famous but not the only ring of stones on Stanton.(15)

The Solstice and Full Moon times are filled with a sense of magic .The Trees are alive with magic and mystery fills the air.” “Moondance” (18 ) Spirits dance among the stones and branches “The Glade” ( 19   ) refers to a track “A Glade Somewhere” by Forest and these themes continue in “ A Pagan Place” (  15 ). “ The Stars that Play with Laughing Sam’s Dice “ is a vision of the “times between times” (8)when our world interacts with the celtic twilight .”Dancing with the Moonlight Night” (17) reflects the magic of a full moon over Stanton.

The ambient works of Brian Eno help bring a stillness to the creative process .

I was considering  the thinking that the ancient stones and energy lines aligned with the planets ,sunrise and sunset send unseen messages into the air and cosmos. I realized  that we do the same via the communications mast near by interconnected webs in the air unseen all around us . “Webs” ( 3 ).

Attempting to portray the beauty and wonder of this wonderful place has left me in no doubt that we are all connected and part of something bigger than ourselves.

Something to consider !

Please note:

• all frames used in the exhibition are re-cycled (this reduces costs !!.)

* the “found materials” used all originate on Stanton Moor.