THE STOIC + THE GULL

KENT, UK, 2024

The White Cliffs of Dover are one the most famous natural monuments in the UK, let alone in my home county of Kent. It has profound symbolism of strength and hope. Acting as a historical defence from invaders and a comforting sight to soldiers returning home from battle. I wanted to go back home and visualised a print of the cliffs towering, immense presence. 

When I made it to the location, a thick blanket of fog swept in from the English Channel. Destroying any hope of my visualisation coming to being. As an artist of the natural world, you have to adapt like an animal to its ecosystem. I scrapped the idea of the cliffs and focused on the people. 

It was Boxing Day, so many people were out at the beach spending time with their families. I noticed an old man with his dog, looking wistfully at the English Channel. As I went to make a frame, a gull landed in front of him. Creating a balanced composition.  

The fog, at first a burden, became the ideal backdrop. When shooting landscapes, I love to be minimalist. The more empty space, the better. As Andy Warhol said, "Empty space is never wasted space". I couldn't agree more. 

The thick fog created the uncluttered background I desired. Having both subjects off to the extreme edges of the frame lets the print breathe. As if the man has the whole world to himself. A peaceful scene.  

"I LOVE TO BE MINIMALIST. THE MORE EMPTY SPACE, THE BETTER.

–JACOB J. WATSON-HOWLAND

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