Minerals dating back 500 million years in rocks on the Caldbeck Fells have emerged as models for contemporary art forms in a new exhibition.

Taking inspiration from ‘incredibly complex forms and colours’, Leeds-based artist Jane Foale has produced a series of work based on the protected Lake District gems.

About to go on show at Theatre by the Lake, Keswick, Time’s Cycle - which includes interpretations from the North Pennines - runs from 28 October to 15 December.

Jane explained how she found Caldbeck’s minerals by chance and was immediately captivated by the ‘beauty and mystery’ of the rock’s ancient bounty.

She said: “They seem to embody the matter and processes of the universe. These minerals were formed within rock sequences between 400 and 500 million years ago.”

Mineral collecting on the Caldbeck Fells is controlled to preserve the area and its archaeology.  Permits are issued by the Lake District National Park, which owns the land.

Area ranger, Graham Standring, said Jane’s handling of such a sensitive subject had been warmly welcomed.

He added: “This was an excellent opportunity to explore alternative approaches to highlighting a unique area. The artwork is both thought provoking and very beautiful.”

The artist explained the challenge was in matching the minerals’ spectacular colours to pigments available in paint form.

She said: “Some pigments combine together, others separate and repel each other. The behaviour of paint is a sort of metaphor for the mineralisation process.”

Find out about exhibition opening times from Theatre by the Lake on 017687 72282 and for Jane Foale’s work go to www.janefoale.net.

For information on mineral permits ring Graham Standring on 01768 871407, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or check out http://www.lake-district.gov.uk/caldbeckminerals
 

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