Estuary-Scapes

Estuaries are also defined as ‘ecotones’; “transition areas between two adjacent but different ecosystems, ecotones appear as both gradual shifts and abrupt demarcations. But more than just a marker of separation or even a marker of connection (although importantly both of these things), an ecotone is also a zone of fecundity, creativity, transformation; of becoming, assembling, multiplying; of diverging, differentiating, relinquishing. Something happens. Estuaries, tidal zones, wetlands: these are all liminal spaces where "two complex systems meet, embrace, clash and transform one another."" - Astrida Neimanis, Hydrofeminism: or, on Becoming a Body of Water (2012)

Sarah ran a symposium and estuary walk during a two day event as part of CROFT LAB, a Space Place Practice residency at The Laundrette Studio in Bristol.

This involved a gathering of artists/academics on a River Severn estuary walk followed by a Symposium the following day titled Estuary- scapes with the invited speakers presenting their work in response to estuaries.

ARMS OF A BOILING TIDE

Artists Symposium and workshop. at Spike Island, Bristol 2024

Arms of a boiling tide – a symposium exploring artistic responses to estuaries, organised by artist and Spike Island Associate Sarah Rhys.

Estuaries are ‘intertidal zones’ where the sea and rivers meet. Their waters come together only at high tide, where their conflicting currents meet, and watery mayhem ensues.