Fluid Earth: Organic Elements in Harmony - Maxine Ahmed and Rebecca Parr

An expression of nature through watercolour and clay

Fluid Earth: Organic Elements in Harmony is an evocative exhibition by two nature-inspired artists who harness the power of the elements in their creative processes. Their art is a testament to the symbiotic relationship between nature and human expression. Utilizing wind and solar energy to fire clay, using organic materials, they highlight a sustainable practice deeply attuned to the environment’s rhythms.

The artists are guided by the changing weather and seasons, reflecting nature’s ephemeral beauty and fragility in their work. Through various mediums, they communicate their awareness of the environmental impact of human activities.

Their creations not only celebrate the raw, organic elements but also serve as a poignant reminder of our responsibility to protect and preserve the natural world. The exhibition is a harmonious blend of art and nature, urging viewers to reconnect with and respect the environment.

Maxine was born in the industrial town of Bradford and pursued a career in nursing and midwifery, always promising herself that she would follow her interest in art as a hobby. In 1990, she moved to the Yorkshire Dales, where she embraced the dramatic landscape and rural way of life. Her daily walks ignite her passion for her environment and fuel her need to express gratitude for where she lives and for Mother Nature as a whole.

Watercolour is Maxine’s chosen medium, as she feels it best expresses the delicate fragility of her surroundings. The translucent colours capture the ever-changing light, with the often unpredictable results mirroring the shifts in weather and the natural chaos of life. Through her art, she seeks to convey the beauty and transient nature of the world around her, celebrating the landscapes that inspire her every day.

Rebecca was born in Kent and spent part of her childhood in Africa before returning to the UK and pursuing a career in market research in London. A move to rural Kent provided her with the opportunity to study ceramics, which has been her primary creative passion for the past twenty years. Rebecca relocated to the Yorkshire Dales to live in a totally off-grid property. This move spurred further exploration of ceramic techniques, culminating in the development of her own studio workspace, complete with an electric kiln powered by wind and solar energy. Rebecca's work is deeply influenced by the wild surroundings of her home in the moorlands of Coverdale. These natural elements are evident in the forms she creates occasionally incorporating African influences from her childhood. As a member of the Northern Potters Association, she continues to refine her craft.

Her passion for the environment and the meditative process of forming clay vessels—whether on the wheel or through slab building—enhances her peaceful, nature-centric lifestyle. While Rebecca dabbles in other art forms, she always returns to clay, enjoying the creation of three-dimensional objects and the tactile experience of working with the material. Recently, she has begun developing her own glazes and incorporating found sea glass into her work, further personalizing her creations.