Christine Paine (UK) – Two Rivers (Stour and Avon) Meet the Tide
My two rivers, the Dorset Stour and Avon, meet and flow into the tidal harbour at Christchurch, Dorset, UK. My tapestry is a view across the harbour from the marsh, where New Forest ponies drink the brackish water. The mixing of sea and river water creates a unique habitat for wildlife. My view is from a log seat, as we pause on our circumnavigation of the harbour to Hengistbury headland in the distance. The headland’s Iron Age double dykes show that people settled here, fishing and trading around 700 BC.
We also travel across the harbour and up the rivers by canoe and sailing dinghy, so it is essential we know the tidal strengths and directions. The opposing flows often cause turbulence and rough water. This meeting of rivers and sea is what I am exploring in this tapestry. The silvery-gold waterline that unites our tapestries was a real inspiration for me. I could see the sparkle of wave tops, and fish jumping. The two rivers flow past Christchurch Priory with its unique weathervane of a golden salmon.
My two rivers, the Dorset Stour and Avon, meet and flow into the tidal harbour at Christchurch, Dorset, UK. My tapestry is a view across the harbour from the marsh, where New Forest ponies drink the brackish water. The mixing of sea and river water creates a unique habitat for wildlife. My view is from a log seat, as we pause on our circumnavigation of the harbour to Hengistbury headland in the distance. The headland’s Iron Age double dykes show that people settled here, fishing and trading around 700 BC.
We also travel across the harbour and up the rivers by canoe and sailing dinghy, so it is essential we know the tidal strengths and directions. The opposing flows often cause turbulence and rough water. This meeting of rivers and sea is what I am exploring in this tapestry. The silvery-gold waterline that unites our tapestries was a real inspiration for me. I could see the sparkle of wave tops, and fish jumping. The two rivers flow past Christchurch Priory with its unique weathervane of a golden salmon.