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a b o u t  K e l  P o r t m a n

"My artworks are made before, after and during an interaction with the land..."
...and are often the result of a solitary or group journey, an observation, walk or event. Multiple viewpoints and interwoven overlays replicate the dynamic sensations experienced during the 'journey process' with accompanying text defining aspects of the moment.

The resulting interpretations and images are not in the tradition of the Beautiful, the Picturesque or the Sublime, rather they often reflect transient moments and fragments of time; the glimpses of shape, colour, light and shadow seen when passing through the landscape. The works are rarely medium specific and are often made using several different media that could include Photography, Printmaking, Drawing, Digital Imaging or installation.

I regularly curate exhibitions and events in addition to working with other artists on projects initiated by landart collective 'Walking the Land'. These aim to raise communities awareness of the value of their landscape, by engaging on walks, journeys and inviting a creative response.

My images are exhibited widely in the UK and abroad, with commissions and works held in private collections in Britain, USA and Europe.
Current Activities
Land and environmental artist
Facilitator and lecturer in photography, digital imaging and painting
Co-founder of Walking the Land
exhibition curator
provider of courses in Photoshop, Dreamweaver, painting and photography, walks and journeys with Gloucestershire Media Group, ArtBreaks, Skyros, HF Holidays and others
Some Recent Exhibitions & Events

2012

'Earth, Wind, Water, Sky'
The Old Passage, Arlingham

'Countryfile' the popular BBC TV programme featured Walking the Land in a piece about artists in the Stroud Valleys, with presenter Ellie Harrison.

2011
'Beyond the Comfort Zone'
Ruskin Mill Gallery

Woodland Pilgrimage
a 120 mile walk around the River Severn and through Gloucestershire
Walking the Land projects

'river'
The Old Passage, Arlingham

2010
‘between…2 shores’
The Old Passage, Arlingham

‘between…A & Bee’
a joint walking project from Stroud to Bath with the Global Bee Project

‘1000 leaves’ (3)
Walking the Land Projects in association with the University of Shanghai, China
held as part of the Stroud Festival of Nature

‘Ramblings’
Featured with Walking the Land on Radio4’s countryside programme with Clare Balding

‘1000 leaves’ (2)
Walking the Land Projects in association with the University of Shanghai, China.
Held as a part of the national 'Big Draw' programme

‘5000 paces’
a walking project along Wansdyke and the Ridgeway, from Bath to Buckinghamshire

'Art Walks'
Walking the Land's regular monthly programme of walks for artists

2009
‘100 days’
Walking the Land Projects

‘thinking... about food’ (curator and exhibitor)
The Old Passage, Gloucestershire

‘Visual Feast: Food in Art’
Sarah Silberman Gallery, Montgomery College, Maryland, USA

‘Another Way Home’
PhotoStroud. The Subscription Rooms, Stroud, Gloucestershire

Curatorial activities

2011
'Beyond the Comfort Zone' (PhotoStroud)
Ruskin Mill Gallery

Woodland Pilgrimage
a 120 mile walk around the River Severn and through Gloucestershire
Walking the Land projects

'river'
The Old Passage, Arlingham

2010

'between…2 shores'
Walking the Land Projects

The Old Passage, Arlingham
'between…A & Bee'
Walking the Land Projects with the Global Bee Project

'1000 leaves' (3)
Walking the Land Projects in association with the University of Shanghai, China
held as part of the Stroud Festival of Nature

'1000 leaves' (2)
Walking the Land Projects in association with the University of Shanghai, China
part of 'The Big Draw'

'Art Walks'
Walking the Land's regular monthly programme of walks for artists


2009

'100 days'
Walking the Land Projects after an initiative by Arnolfini Gallery, Bristol

'thinking... about food'
Walking the Land Projects
The Old Passage, Gloucestershire

'1000 leaves' (1)
Walking the Land Projects in association with the University of Shanghai, China
held as part of the Stroud Festival of Nature


2008

'river'
Walking the Land Projects
The Old Passage, Gloucestershire

'Outside Space'
Walking the Land Projects
The Space, Gloucestershire

'Arboreality'
Walking the Land Projects
Westonbirt National Arboretum, Gloucestershire


2007

'Outside Space'
Walking the Land Projects
The Space, Gloucestershire

'Racking Fields'
Walking the Land Projects

Current Projects and Research
Walking the Land has developed a portfolio of projects since 2004.
In previous projects we have had creative involvement with clients and partners including schools, universities, community groups, neighbourhood projects and conservation organisations
such as The Cotswold Water Park, Natural England, The University of the West of England, The Universities of Bath, Gloucestershire, Kingston, Shanghai and Delft, The Cotswold Conservation Board and The Forestry Commission.
Walking the Land are currently working with consultants in Telemark, Norway to develop a strategy and programme of interpretation in Regional Parks.
Previously
Former Senior Lecturer in photography, digital imaging and printmaking at The London College of Communication
Fulbright Exchange Professor - Maryland, USA