The River Continues to Flow

‘The River Continues to Flow’ is a photography project that combines landscape imagery and portraiture to represent the varied nature of a unique stretch of river and woodland on the outskirts of Bristol, UK and its connections with those who pass through it.

The area has undergone numerous and drastic physical changes over the past few hundred years and today the place is wild and tangled, but accessible to all, marking it out as an increasingly rare urban space where one is completely free to roam and explore. I have observed that it regularly takes on a metaphysical change as people visit and mould it to fit their purpose in that moment. For example, one evening I met Sham staring soulfully down the river and he explained that he and his brothers come to this peaceful spot to remember their home. “Often we are here but our minds are somewhere else”. On another occasion, Ros, a playwright, and frequent visitor to the area, told me that the river “fuelled” her writing. She mused that being by the river, had made her realise that water is the common element in all her work. I believe the metaphysical change extends into a mirroring effect between human visitors and nature. This thought recalls author George B. Moore’s reflection that, “…we watch the landscape for signs that might tell us something more of the something less we sense inside”. I frequently came across examples of nature that appeared to imitate a person’s emotional response to the space and vice versa and I have documented them within this body of work. Below, is a selection of images from the project.

On the edge of the city is a quiet place. A river winds its way through woodland and stone. In bush and bramble clues remain, Totems of incarnations past. The river continues to flow. Such a place is known by many names, And has ears for all who have voices. They come and mould the place anew. Forging paths beneath green canopies. The river continues to flow. Memories are held and misplaced. Solitude and fellowship walk hand in hand. Familiar figures unfurl from depths unseen, Harbingers of the changing season. The river continues to flow. Not all who visit shall return, No grudge shall be held amongst the roots. Though a loss may manifest and grow, Upon return, leafy arms will open wide. The river continues to flow.

A damaged metal fence along a dirt trail in a foggy wooded area with trees and bushes surrounding the path.
A black and white photo of a forested area with a small river or stream flowing through it, surrounded by trees and rocks.
A black and white photo of a bird feather hanging from a tree branch in a natural setting.
Two women sharing a kiss while holding hands outdoors in front of a rocky background.
A woman with curly hair wearing a sleeveless black top, showing her tattooed arm with butterflies, a chameleon, and other designs.
A woman and a young girl holding hands and standing barefoot on a large rock in a river.
A foggy forest scene with leafless trees and fallen leaves on the ground.
Black and white abstract photo of a tree's branches and roots reflected in water, creating a ripple effect.
A man standing outdoors on a wooded trail, wearing outdoor gear including a camouflage jacket, black pants, hiking boots, a dark beanie, glasses, and carrying a backpack.
A model airplane with a zebra stripe pattern hanging from a tree branch using a black strap.
The image shows the reflection of leafless trees on a wet surface, possibly water, with textured water droplets and a cloudy sky in the background.
A stick with a cluster of small leaves floats on dark water, with reflections of tree branches on the surface.
A man stands on a rocky outcrop near a small creek in a bare, wooded area, looking into the water.
Black and white photograph of a tree branch floating on still water, with tree reflections visible on the surface.
A framed picture is on the ground surrounded by dirt and rubble, with flames emerging from it.
Close-up of a small branch with a fuzzy texture and a piece of ribbon tied around it in black and white.
Black and white photo of a riverbank with leafless trees and a fallen tree leaning against the bank.
Black and white photograph of an old, partially collapsed stone wall with foliage and vines overgrowth.
A large tree with a hollow trunk in a foggy forest, with a stone staircase leading up inside the hollow.
Black and white photo of leafless trees with sun shining through, creating a stark contrast between light and shadow.
Side profile of a person wearing a knit beanie and a graphic T-shirt.
A person standing by a river, painting a landscape on an easel. The scene is outdoors surrounded by trees and rocks, with the person wearing a hat and casual clothing.
Black and white photo of a dense forest with tall trees and thick foliage, sunlight filtering through the leaves.
A woman standing in water, wearing a bikini and jewelry, looking to the right.
Black and white photo of a forest with a leaning tree trunk covered in vines and leaves
A young woman dressed in traditional Indian attire standing outdoors among plants.
A white heron standing in dark water, with its reflection visible on the surface.
Black and white photo of a small pond with floating leaves and a ripple in the water reflecting the sky and trees.