To The Land
(more than just ‘the view’ )

I am drawn to the land,
To the hills, quarries, fields & woods,

I am drawn to the old stone flags that line the footpaths.
I am drawn to the dry-stone walls that mark the boundaries of fields.
I am drawn to thoughts about the creation of these things.

I am drawn to coppiced trees and dense, entwined, hedgerows.
I am drawn to the defiant weeds that stand proud at the edges of buildings.
I am drawn to the edgelands, to where nature reasserts herself.

I am drawn to the flight of crows going home to roost and the beauty of a fallen feather.
I am drawn to the swifts and swallows that grace the summer skies.
I am drawn to the blackbird singing as the sun goes down.

I am drawn to the history of a more land-based culture.
I am drawn to soil, stone and wood.

Through my art I reflect on these things.

Tom Baskeyfield
www.tombaskeyfield.carbonmade.com