Knaresborough artist's new exhibition draws on Cistercian abbeys
Knaresborough artist Simon Crawford opens new exhibition at Ryedale
A new exhibition by Knaresborough artist Simon Crawford opens this week at Ryedale Folk Museum.
On display from Saturday September 12 to Sunday November 1, Simon Crawford: Shining Lights of the North brings together sketches and paintings inspired by the Cistercian abbeys of Rievaulx, Byland and Fountains.
“Simon’s work combines his fascination with landscape, history and artistic tradition in a really thoughtful way,” explained Jennifer Smith, Director at Ryedale Folk Museum.
“These abbeys have captivated artists for generations, and it’s very inspiring to see the ways that Simon has returned to them throughout the seasons, paying tribute whilst responding very much in his own style.”
Over the last 12 months, Simon has made his own ‘artistic pilgrimage’ along the Shining Lights of the North Way, a walking route that connects the three abbeys and follows in the footsteps of the monks who once travelled between these significant religious sites.
Jennifer added: “The exhibition has a strong sense of this journey and of looking closely at places which are both familiar and deeply layered with history.”
Returning to the abbeys through the changing seasons has allowed Simon to explore how light, weather and atmosphere alter the experience of each place.
His works also draw on a long tradition of artists who have taken inspired from these landscapes, including JMW Turner, John Sell Cotman and Thomas Girtin.
“This exhibition is an exploration of the landscape in front of me, and my own feelings about a place, whilst being very aware of the ghosts of the artists who came before me,” explained Simon.
Considering what has changed and what has endured, Simon has produced works that reflect his own experiences, whilst acknowledging the generations who have passed before him.
“Simon’s work gives visitors the opportunity to look again at these extraordinary places,” explained Jennifer.
“The exhibition really connects the present-day landscape with its history and stories across centuries.”
The exhibition is on display in the Art Gallery at Ryedale Folk Museum, Hutton-le-Hole, from Saturday September 12 to Sunday November 1. It is free to visit and is not within the paid area of the Museum. Open daily, except Fridays.