Making the Spot – a walk in Longing and Loss

In August 2024, I walked a 10 mile section of the South Downs Way for an Arts and Place project, Every Step of the Way, where artists have been invited to respond to allocated sections of the entire 100 mile route. The exhibition runs at The Arc, Winchester, 4 April – 16 July 2025 and at The Weald and Downland Living Museum 22 September – 8 February 2026.

Many paths, and routes, are taken in life. Some are slower, but there is always direction, progress intentional or not, however a terminus might be determined and no matter the diversions or distractions along the way.

The anticipation of walking a section of the South Downs way held a deep appeal. Unfamiliar territory, a time to explore where ideas lurk and spirits dwell. At the tail end of summer, and with autumn soon within reach, tracking the bone crest of chalk between Upper Beeding and Washington under an aching heat. Red Kites patrol the fields in the lea of the southern slopes between Steyning Bowl, looking towards Cissbury Ring. Scorched grass, bleached tracks, a route itching with dryness. Two Ashes, fanning out, animated structures but alone in the corner of a field. Poppies adding dashes of blood in the stillness. 

There was little of note on the Downs that day; the earth lapsing and gasping, demise, silenced song, numbness, a succumbing, a stupor. Lurking to the north, Gilbert White’s presence, just a veil over the hangars and downs. But a strong bond – Familial roots and routes.

As well as the linear route, established over millennia, there are the other dimensions to walking. It is of a comfort to walk with just a simple objective – to reach the end of that day’s section, under an infinite sky. And something other, less tangible; space in which to ponder on the way and derive a reaction – to gather clear observations and thoughts, to take them home and create a response. 

In unfamiliar territory, looking for something relatable or at least subconsciously recognisable to respond to. The sublime will always come calling even in the depths of distraction or abandonment; unpredictable, surprising, shifting.

Chanctonbury Ring, a fine standing of Beech bound within a sacred enclosure, sat at the end of the day. The blackness of the tree shade, thrust deeper by the striking light, creating contrast in the shelter – a mark on a gently sloping shoulder of chalk. 

Exhibition notes: 

Ten works were produced in response to walking the Way, a personal record of a distinct moment. The effort of walking creates a sense of achievement; progression, as with any journey physical or otherwise. Exploration and desire can sometimes be objective, clear, and purposeful, sometimes not so, ponderous, circular, reflective. 

At Chanctonbury Ring: Figures walking towards each other, or parting? Life and death held in the Beeches, regenerating. Nearby, Ashes with dieback line the Way.