Somerset artists create a unique art exhibition in Martock Church

An immersive response by four artists to the Easter themes of ascension and love, grounded in the locality of Martock, the Levels and Somerset is to go on display in All Saints Church, Martock from 20 – 28 April. Painter Tessa Coleman, writer Lucy Jago, sound artist Zivi Sainsbury and sculptor Rachel Goodison, collaborated on the installation for the beautiful space of All Saints, finding inspiration in the church and its community.

Reverend Paul Fillery, Vicar at All Saints, says, ‘Bringing a rich variety of art forms into this ancient, sacred space has made Everything that has breath a unique and rewarding journey for everyone. We hope everyone who experiences it will be equally inspired.’

Tessa Coleman’s triptych stems from her love of the Somerset Levels. Sketched from high vantage points and map views, her paintings soar over the countryside and depict a bird’s eye view of the landscape, while evoking the ancient and ever-changing nature of the area with the seasonal ebb and flow of the waters. 

Lucy Jago and Zivi Sainsbury’s soundscape envelops the visitor in sounds collected in and around the church and the Levels, to create a sense of infinity in that which is closest to us; woven into it is the church’s history, from its 13th century origins on the flooded levels, through its restoration by Queens and congregations of farmers, to its place now as a sanctuary for ‘everything that has breath’. Lucy’s poem evokes the Biblical story of the creation in the landscape and history around Martock. Zivi has combined nature’s soundtrack with song, chanting and prayer, in a sonic tapestry of time and timelessness, the minute and the infinite. 

Rachel Goodison’s sculptures are made from willow collected from the levels. Their shape is based on the feathers in a bird’s wing. The sculpture’s stands are made from local ash and oak. Rachel has worked with a local carpenter to make the frames. The sculptures are designed to bring nature into the church and with them Rachel plays with the ancient local craft tradition of willow weaving to evoke the Easter themes of resurrection and transformation into her sculptures. 

All the artists taking part are renouned for their work, both nationally and internationally. Tessa Coleman exhibits both nationally and internationally and teaches at the Royal Drawing School in London. Lucy Jago is an award-winning writer published by Bloomsbury. Zivi Sainsbury is a media composer and sound designer. Rachel is Artist in Residence at the Brompton Chapel and Fellow at the City and Guilds of London Art School. 

Everything that has breath takes place from 20-28 April. It is open each day from 10-5 pm. If you would like more information about the exhibition please email Revd Paul Fillery paul@pfillery.plus.com