‘The sea does feature in a lot of my work,’ said Deb Soper, explaining the title of her new exhibition. ‘But there’s also the sense of living here in Guernsey – it’s all at the edge of the sea.’
Much of the work is seascapes and landscapes in oils and acrylics as well as ceramics and pen and ink drawings.
‘I do a bit of en plein air painting, some of the work certainly started off as en plein air, such as Marble Bay and Rocquaine Bay. Some are new, done in the last couple of years, and some are older. One of Derrible Bay in Sark is from 30 years ago.
‘The pen and ink drawings originate from walks myself and a friend took when you were allowed to walk six feet apart during lockdown.’
One of these studies, executed in fine-point pen, shows two people in a tunnel of trees.
‘They started off as tree trunks but I thought they were better as people. When planning our walks we would always try to go down green lanes. About a million years ago when I first came to Guernsey I was invited into a WI project concerning sanctuary paths.’
In Jersey these are called perquages, footways leading from the churches to the sea. The name derives from perche, an old French measure and refers to the width of the paths.
‘We couldn’t find any sanctuary paths while doing the project, but I’m quite interested in holloways.’
Deb makes the ceramic work at a club at Elizabeth College run by Jacqui Pendleton. The exhibition also includes lino printing and etchings.
The show has been curated by Deb’s grandson, Zac Cross, who has made it an immersive experience.
‘I studied art history at master’s level and I’ve arranged the paintings to meet in the middle in a crescendo of yellow,’ explained Zac.
‘I’ve also created a soundtrack using GarageBand and keyboards and field recordings of the sea. It’s been great fun.’
‘Zac has been wonderful support,’ said Deb.
Edge of the Sea by Deb Soper is at the Art at The Park Gallery, NTG Folk & Costume Museum, Saumarez Park, until Friday 2 May. Opening times are 10am to 5pm daily, though please note the gallery will close at 2pm on the last day of the exhibition. Entry is free.
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