Green/Blue is a series of 21 black-and-white images of “trees” derived from Environment Agency data of land at risk of flooding from rivers and the sea, separating out 21 river catchments around the south coast from the Sussex Ouse to the Bristol Avon and rotating the image so that the “tree” is upright.
The view from above – the God’s eye view – has become normalized. Google Maps and OS Maps, city centre plans, and “you are here” stickers on the boards at local nature reserves give the impression of omniscience and omnipotence. The very notion of flood risk calls both our knowledge and power into question in the face of uncertainty and the force of nature. What seems to be the most solid and robust is, in reality, the most fragile and vulnerable. Changing the perspective, looking aslant, confers a new understanding and humility.
Clare is an artist, writer, and freelance website developer. Her interests are in how human beings affect and are affected by the natural world of which we are a part, and the related theology and psychology of connectedness. Her creative practice springs from her desire to communicate environmental and social issues, her need for hope and energy in keeping on keeping on, and her habit of making connections.
She typically works in conceptual visual art, synthesising information, textile, and representational environmental art, with a strong element of playfulness. Her art often appears in the public realm, in collaborative projects and exhibitions, and in pop-up installations as part of other events.
Her background is in science, economics, energy, and environment, including employment at Cambridge Econometrics and the Met Office.
Clare is a resident at Kaleider in Exeter, and linked into the art.earth network. She is also an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Exeter, and a storyteller on the organising team of TEDxExeter.