Ancient Sea is a video installation re-imagining the countryside surrounding Ham Hill, South Somerset, as the sea. Millions of years ago the local limestone, known as Hamstone, was formed under water. Fossil remains of ammonites can be found in the fields around Ham Hill. Using photographic layering techniques, Carolyn merges the land with the sea. Local community groups were invited to participate in the project development, including a fossil walk with a geologist. The final work is installed in St Mary’s Church, which is made from the local Hamstone. Churches are said to be connected to the sea, as the word Nave comes from the Latin – Navis, which means Ship. In this installation the ancient sea has been brought back to the land and into the church. For the artist, being by the sea and swimming all year round is a kind of sanctuary. ‘Ancient Sea’ includes footage filmed by Carolyn whilst swimming, blended with imagery from the local landscape. All of the drone filming of the Ham Hill area is by local photographer, videographer and drone pilot Ian Lishman. The film soundtrack is composed by Ralph Tayler-Webb.

Part of the Somerset Art Works Micro Commission programme. In 2022 7 artists/artist collectives in Somerset were selected through a call out to make new work that responds to the Art Weeks 2022 theme Sanctuary. Their projects include installation, performance and participatory events, in a diverse range of media such as sound, moving images, photography and live art. The commission aims to support artists to consider how they connect with audiences, find new approaches and challenges, explore the boundaries of their own talent and contribute to their artistic development. Funded by Arts Council England.

https://somersetartworks.org.uk/artweeks22carolyn/