A new exhibition at the Bingley Gallery celebrates Yorkshire’s moorland uplands. Leeds–based artist Judith Levin’s misty moorland oil paintings capture the beauty of these iconic, yet vulnerable, Yorkshire landscapes with purple heather and soft, misty skies. As Judith commented …… “Conservation of the land is so important; we cannot let the beautiful, local landscape fade away into distant memory.”
The stark beauty of the moors of Yorkshire is well loved by locals and those who visit the county, inspired by sources as diverse as the Brontë novels, the long running Last of the Summer Wine and TV. coverage of the Tour de Yorkshire . Moorland is not only a recreational resource and a wildlife habitat, but helps to reduce flooding and improve drinking water. Perhaps more pressingly, in the UK peat is the biggest store of carbon in the country – estimated to lock in the equivalent of 20 years of all UK CO2 emissions. Sadly, this resource is under increasing threat from climate change and development. The Moorland Association warns “as the climate changes and weather becomes warmer, wildfire risks increase and moorlands face very serious threats”~. Unfortunatelly this is far from the only threat to this particular environment. The last two years have proved that these dangers are very real and care needs to be taken to protect these open spaces for generations to come.
Whilst Judith’s internationally acclaimed work is the main feature of the show, other artists from the region including wire sculptures by Carole, Sterritt and ceramics from Kath Bonson, Lis Holt and the Nettleton Pottery. The Exhibition is part of a changing rotation of shows at the Bingley Gallery, which also houses work showcasing the talents of a wide range of locally based artists within its surprisingly spacious two stories of exhibition space.
Judith Levin: Drifting Cloud 24×36″
Judith Levin: Changing Light 30×60″
Judith Levin: Moorland Waterfall 24×36″
Kath Bonson ceramics
Lis Holt Curlew Pots
