Cumberland born artist and photographer, Robin Oliver, has journeyed across the length and breadth of Great Britain recording people, places and animals, focused upon the theme of connection to the land and all aspects of farming.
The result of a three-year project, the Art of Farming (2019 – 2022) is now displayed in an online gallery recording subjects by photography, paintbrush, pencil and pen. Romney Marsh is a much-loved location for the artist and chief among his subjects are the sheep and shepherds of these flatlands.
The pastoral landscapes and the Romney breed are candidly caught on camera by Robin, often reflecting the real-life dramas and joys of Romney Marsh lambing. Featuring the farmers, flock-masters and shepherdesses who work throughout this part of Kent and East Sussex, the photographs were taken through the summer of 2021 and spring of 2022.
“Reading about farm dispersal sales made me realise that we continue to lose farms and rural communities each year,” says Robin.
“With many auctioned farms becoming brownfield sites, ultimately to become housing estates, and others just decaying and becoming derelict, it made me realise the importance of recording a lifestyle that may not be around in years to come.”
Robin Oliver’s online gallery can be found here: https://www.robinoliverartist.co.uk/focus/
Image Credits: Robin Oliver .