A brand new pop-up exhibition of the colours and lights of the Solway is coming to Carlisle.
Landscape artist Joe Dias is set to enchant viewers with his representations of the haunting shift of lights and colours seen at the Solway this summer.
His favorite pieces will go on display in Carlisle's Historic Quarter in a week-long exhibition from Wednesday (August 21).
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Some might recognise Joe's name from his studio in Raughton Head.
The artist has been fascinated with the Solway since his childhood holidays.
The "haunting presence of the Solway" did not just charm the young Dias, it ignited a lifelong passion.
During his teenage years living in Bowness-on-Solway, Dias would often be seen playing with driftwood, creating dynamic shapes that he would let drift away with the tide.
Upon return, the waves washing the driftwood in varied patterns intrigued the artist.
Later years saw Dias use an unusual technique - allowing the ocean to craft art.
Strong sheets of paper would be wedged between rocks at low tide, and when the tide returned, he would refine what the tide crafted with his own watercolours.
Dias said: "The power of the tides to shift thousands of tonnes of sand has always captivated me.
"The Solway estuary is a place that both exhilarates and frightens me - a place that was safe to walk on yesterday but can be treacherous today."
In his Solway-inspired pieces he explores themes of doubt, uncertainty and ambiguity.
Alongside his work on the Solway, Dias also practices the ancient craft of Haaf net fishing, which was purportedly pioneered by the Vikings.
His journey as an artist began when he started creating landscapes using his great aunt's inherited oil pain box when he was 14.
His talent was recognised early, and was commissioned at the age of 16 when he was asked to produced a detailed depiction of a heron nesting.
Despite the challenges of juggling varied jobs to fuel his artistic passion, Dias confesses: "Work has kept me rooted and grounded."
His original works and prints will not only be on exhibition, but available to buy.
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