North Somerset Artist Commission, Rowan Colquhoun

Rowan Colquhoun is a non-binary artist and maker living in North Somerset. Their artistic practice explores navigating relationships through interpreting various signs and symbols to consider hidden vulnerabilities and desires. Playing with contrasting elements within their work, Rowan often juxtaposes animal figures and organic shapes alongside emotional experiences such as dream-like states to reveal alternative perceptions of the subject matter at hand.

Through their research into the unusual critters and flora hidden in the watery nooks and crevices of Weston’s coastline, Rowan has delved into the worlds of the rock slater, European eel, the rock samphire, and bladderwrack seaweed amongst other things. Throughout the development of this project, Rowan has become interested in coastal foraging and how it can help to gain a deeper understanding of our natural environment and the sustenance it can provide. The resulting work, Sustenance, incorporates a series of site-specific relief prints installed in the landscape.

Grains of Sand is a programme of micro-commissions led by Super Culture for early career artists from North Somerset, with outcomes presented at the Promenade Weekender.