Terra Sylva

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Terra Sylva I
Terra Sylva
Terra Sylva

A series of black and white prints from a collection of ships’ figureheads, representing artifacts from a two hundred year span.

A series of black and white prints from a collection of ships’ figureheads, representing artifacts from a two hundred year span.

Exploring a nautical theme, I photographed a collection of ship’s figureheads where time is collapsed as we compare and contrast the superstitions and proclivities that two centuries of maritime culture had produced in a time before engineering and contemporary navigation techniques made such icons surplus. Unknown artisans toiled for likenesses made from wood of political, mythical, royal or familiar family members. Photographed here in a crowd breaks all intended tradition of isolation and uniqueness that these figureheads once held each at the prow of their own individual now unidentifiable vessels.

A series of black and white prints.

Terra Sylva II
Terra Sylva III
Terra Sylva IV
Terra Sylva V
Terra Sylva VI
Terra Sylva VII
Terra Sylva VIII
Terra Sylva IX
Terra Sylva VIII
Terra Sylva IX
Terra Sylva X
Terra Sylva XI
Terra Sylva XII
Terra Sylva XIII
Terra Sylva XIV
Terra Sylva XV
Terra Sylva XVI
Terra Sylva XVII
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TERRA SYLVA is the name of my latest winter print series. Born of memory, wonder and loss in the wintry, wooded atmospheres recalled from my childhood in Hampshire, England.

A former Roman road runs through the ancient Otterbourne Park Wood, replete with oak, ash, maple and alder trees dating to the 1800s. Bordering the wood is a private estate with parkland laid out some ago 200 years ago, accessible by public foot paths across what was once Issac Newton’s home.

On a visit home earlier this year to visit my ailing Mum, it was to these same ancient landscapes that I would retreat each winter morning film camera in hand and where this series began.

My name is Martin Cox, I am a UK born, Los Angeles-based photographer.  I am working with a Diana camera following two previous series in Iceland’s ethereal landscape all using black and white film to explore the solitude and mystery of the local forests in Hampshire. The combination of traditional film with my quirky camera help me capture an emotional quality of the landscape.

Terra Sylva, released in December 2022, consists of 17 images. I printed them as 8 x 8″ toned prints on letter sized archival baryta paper. While working on this series I was stirred by ideas of longevity and resilience; of ancient trees as witness to history and repository of collective memory; of the mood of decay and loss — and ultimately of resilience.

Purchase Prints: Terra Sylva
Matted print price starts at $420 (plus sales tax and shipping). As the edition runs out the price may increase. There are 7 of each individual print in this 8×8” size, and 17 different prints available. (for shipping outside US please contact me directly via email under contact) . Here is a preview of the December 2022 release.