The Iberians will Gather...
16-2-21 -the day I saw beautiful images from Russia of women hunting hares sidesaddle in the snow - I had a vision - 10 / 20 / 30 Iberians, maybe more, gathering, maybe even galloping together in epic English landscapes. It seemed like a flash, but then again I wonder how on earth it took me so long, but oh those Russians, sometimes they inspire us! My thoughts had already been heavily focused on continuing the Iberian horse series this year, but suddenly it all made sense. I tried to relaunch in 2020, but lockdown and life conquered me, I guess the time wasnt right. Now, I'm ready, energised and determined, and the idea has expanded in a beautiful way that seems very much of the moment. Perhaps art can reconnect and celebrate the Iberian horse, and life itself more than ever in these times? On the very same day I dreamed it, I took a breath and launched the concept. Within minutes, the enthusiasm was clear - the Duende of the Iberian community is alive and well. It's terrifying, it's a tall order to do justice, but we have to seize the day when ideas take hold. There is nothing like the heart and soul of the Iberian horse to unite and heal, and we certainly need healing in these times.
So. We will gather Iberians around the country for Carthusian Countryside Charges, to form a new part of my international award winning photographic series - "The Iberian Horse in the English Landscape". We will go at the very least, North, East, South and West. But already it seems we may need to spread the wings of the gathering a little further. I will photograph, supported by a creative team for film, and some drones - clearly if we have an assembler of war horses on the mountains of England, we had best take a look from above! And we will have tack and turnout specialists too plus ground crew in each location.
So. We will gather Iberians around the country for Carthusian Countryside Charges, to form a new part of my international award winning photographic series - "The Iberian Horse in the English Landscape". We will go at the very least, North, East, South and West. But already it seems we may need to spread the wings of the gathering a little further. I will photograph, supported by a creative team for film, and some drones - clearly if we have an assembler of war horses on the mountains of England, we had best take a look from above! And we will have tack and turnout specialists too plus ground crew in each location.
Whilst I remain very proud of the initial Iberian series, and the amazing people and horses that made it happen, I made a lot of compromises being doggedly determined to have one horse per county and to complete in a year, which whilst I achieved, I made artistic mistakes. There's a lot of learning and reflection to take forward and I now have a clearer eye for the end result. Together, the people, the horses, all of us, we will tell the story of the Iberian horse from deep in the heart of England.
There is SO much enthusiasm, so if you want to be involved, do get in touch ASAP because some locations may be limited due to logistical issues. The Southern gathering is already close to being full as parking is likely to present an issue. Already 100 + are dreaming of assembling in the most iconic landscapes of England and beyond, planning outfits, sourcing tack and creating the positive energy that something of this scope demands. The initial spreadsheet is now complete, but a lot of work lies ahead on location development and logisitics. The Iberian gatherings will ONLY be suitable for very confident partnerships in traditional dress - Spanish, Portuguese, Vaquero and Gaucho.
A VERY small number of single horse private commissions also available - (any breed / style likely at the same time I am in each area) or part of the Iberian series (traditional dress only and willing and able to ride confidently in very special locations). Pop me a message (include your location) if you want your name on the list for this exciting new phase of the Iberian series (gatherings or individual Iberian commissions) - we have work to do!
*As with any "normal" private commission, there will be a fee to be photographed in the Iberian gathering events, but due to working with a group, rates will be very manageable per person, especially for such a magical experience. You will also be part of film and drone footage as well as having high quality images to share with your friends and family. Due to the once in a lifetime nature of these imges, I will be hiring in several medium format cameras to use alongside my own to ensure I can deliver images at THE very highest quality. A full creative brief and timetable will be available for all participants shortly.
You can see some glimpses of the original Iberian Horse in the English Landscape series here
THE GATHERING - CREATIVE TEAM
Creative Director and Photographer - Fleur Churchill
Film maker - Claire Spelling
Drone photographers - TBC
Turnout and plaiting - Cassy Gadsby
Graphics - Peter Isaac Graphic Design
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Thanks to Pete Isaac Graphic Design for a lovely job on this concept. He provides such a fantastic service for all businesses, but especially arts based having a long history producing graphics for music and entertainment. Featured image Holly Barber and Alexandra Downing in Rutland - the smallest county of England.
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Thanks to Pete Isaac Graphic Design for a lovely job on this concept. He provides such a fantastic service for all businesses, but especially arts based having a long history producing graphics for music and entertainment. Featured image Holly Barber and Alexandra Downing in Rutland - the smallest county of England.
