About

Christopher Harris

Coastal landscapes are the central inspiration for my work as an artist. The ever-changing tides, rugged cliffs, and striking rock formations found along shorelines offer endless possibilities for exploration. My paintings and drawings aim to capture the essence of these landscapes, focusing not just on their physical beauty, but on the sense of mystery and ‘otherworldliness’ that coastal environments often evoke.

One such place is Porthcawl, a seaside town in South Wales, where the dramatic cliffs of Rest Bay and the sculptural rock formations have long influenced my practice. Porthcawl is also my hometown, and although I currently live and work in Leeds, far from the coast, my connection to these landscapes remains strong. The Welsh word hiraeth, which describes a deep longing for home, reflects my personal relationship with the coast and the way it influences my work. This emotional connection drives my creative process as I strive to convey the feeling of ‘home’ through my art.

Drawing plays a vital role in my practice. It is my way of translating the photographs and videos I take during my visits to coastal areas into visual ideas. I draw daily in my studio at the bottom of my garden, and these drawings form the foundation of my paintings, while also standing as important pieces in their own right, offering a raw and immediate response to the landscapes I love.

I studied at Middlesex University (1992-1995), the Royal College of Art (1995-1997), and the University of Leeds (2007-2012), and spent many years teaching art and design in Higher Education.