I’ve probably been to the coast more times in the last six weeks since I moved to Malton than I have for the last six months. It’s so much more accessible; there’s so many fantastic beaches and coves to explore and swim in; and I’ve been spurred on my the impending assignment deadline for my Photography MA to show a work in progress portfolio on my project The Strandline.

I haven’t quite got accustomed to thinking of myself as a North Yorkshire photographer yet, but throwing myself in at the deep end I signed up for the Ryedale Open Studios as an opportunity to get to know the community and Emet some other North Yorkshire artists. Nothing like the pressure of having something to show the public, as well as a portfolio deadline, to get the creative juices racing and get photographing the sea in earnest.

Trips so far have encompassed a breezy Ravenscar where I was delighted to discover a seal colony; Hunmanby Gap a few times including extremes of blazing sunshine and packed shores and bleak windswept vistas with only a few dog walkers for company, though I still braved a bracing dip; Cayton Bay; and of course Filey. I’ve even managed a trip to Northumberland to Warkworth Beach.

So a lot to show this month!

I’ve been delving a little deeper into the relationship with the sea and exploring the concept of immersion and submersion, crossing the threshold from the land to the sea and from the air to underwater, using underwater housing for my camera to capture the experience.

Some of these images will be appearing in my multi-media installation showcasing The Strandline. Available to view at my studios as part of the Ryedale Open Studios 7th & 8th and 14th & 15th August, Malton.

immersed water of a wave rolling over the camera

Welcome to our Coast to Coast loop. We are a group of photographers from around the world, from timezones as far flung as Australia to Canada and in between, each with a different seascape. Coast to Coast aims to document our changing sea views and perspectives – both literal and philosophical – of what the sea means to us, month to month through the changing seasons. To follow the loop go to the talented Ann Owen.