A new exhibition of original art by emerging local artist Marina Rule is on display at the Count House, Botallack Mine, near St Just until November 29.
The exhibition, which is free to attend, allows visitors to discover the Cornish landscape through the eyes of local artist Marina at Botallack Count House. Marina’s colourful acrylic paintings of the Cornish landscape will be on display alongside her cards and prints.
Marina’s paintings are a response to a deep emotional connection to Cornwall where she was born, lives and has family roots stretching back generations.
A keen walker, most of the scenes depicted were first discovered as she explored the coast and moorland of West Penwith on foot and some of the paintings have been embellished with grasses, seeds, grit and earth pigments that she collected during her walks.
On the historic setting for her exhibition Marina said, “Hanging my paintings in the Count House at Botallack mine feels very special because of my family’s rich links with Cornish mining. My great grandfather, John Rule, was the last captain of Dolcoath mine, which is famous for having been the largest and deepest mine in Cornwall.
“A great uncle was the engine driver for Robinson’s shaft at South Crofty and another uncle was a blasting expert, testing rock drills at Holman’s test mine. I’ve always been drawn to the rugged scenery of the Tin Coast, so these paintings give expression to the absolute joy I have in living in West Cornwall.’
Having spent a lifetime believing she couldn’t paint, Marina’s talent was unlocked only two years ago after studying under American artist Nicholas Wilton's Creative Visionary Programme. At 61 years old, her paintings are a testament that breakthroughs can occur at any age.
The Count House at Botallack Mine is open 10-5 every day and the exhibition runs till 29 November, with 20% of all sales going towards the work the National Trust on the Tin Coast.
For more information about Botallack, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/botallack