Trails By The River
Life Meanders
The River Parrett - Project, Trails By The River
“This is the river. Water, that strong white stuff, one of the four elemental mysteries, can here be seen at its origins. Like all profound mysteries, it is so simple that it frightens me. It wells from the rock, and flows away. For unnumbered years it has welled from the rock, and flowed away. It does nothing, absolutely nothing, but be itself.” - Nan Shepherd, Scottish Writer and Poet.
February already. That went a little quicker than planned. Maybe you feel the same. Life and its inevitable flow.
Rivers symbolise a continuous journey, never static, constantly flowing, full of change. Like a river, life navigates different terrains, it faces obstacles and finds its path. Rather than fight this, it often feels better to adapt, make adjustments and find a way to go with the flow. Admittedly at times that can be easier said than done, though I feel it can be a positive mantra to follow.
A month into the new year and I feel like I’ve continued many of the positive new habits I hoped to introduce. Though inevitably, daily and family life has brought plenty to contend with - both exhausting, uplifting, frustrating, and beautiful. Funny how it does all these, right ?
So I’ll endeavour to use the river metaphor, encourage a mindset of flexibility, accepting that not everything is under my control, and adapt to changes without unnecessary resistance.
Before we all float off. Maybe I could share some recent news and stories with you.
Enjoy, and thanks for your time.
Bristol Vineyards
Bristol’s Backyard Vineyards: foot-stomping grapes in the garden
A small group of Bristol winemakers are harvesting vines from their allotments and garden terraces, part of a growing global movement of passionate urban vintners.
I had the joy of accompanying writer Tom Wall on this intriguing, and fun story for the The Guardian in the Autumn of 2025.
A great story with amusing quotes, wonderfully threaded together by writer and collaborator Tom Wall.
“I’ve seen people hiding heroin or whatever in those bushes. But you just get on with it … and keep tending to your vines.” - James Bayliss-Smith
Trails By The River
A recent Substack post narrating my morning walks along the river Parrett with my dog Rango, somehow found its way into the wonderful magazine Wunderdog.
I really enjoyed relaying these experiences to Nina May the magazines editor, through a written article and accompanying images. Writing’s been something I have enjoyed and approached more extensively over the last few years, so it was great to put pen to paper on this piece.
Extract, Trails By The River
The few streetlights that are in the village act as our guides – markers on our route – as we make our way down the lane towards the river. The River Parrett flows through Dorset and Somerset in south-west England. It’s tidal, and as we head down to her banks, passing the charcoal-grey shadows that will soon lift, we are met by a body of water whose height shifts significantly throughout the day.
Rango’s rarely on the lead, and the moment we meet the grassed riverside path he knows he’s free, leaping through the tall grasses and pouncing, arctic-fox-style, at the slightest movement, nose-first into the dew-speckled grass all around us.
National Portrait Gallery
Having this image of my late mum, hung at the National Portrait Gallery. Has been a very proud, and emotional moment for me and my family.
Friends, peers, and others new to this image have reached out and shared kind words with me over the last few months. They’ve been moved by the image and the wider story. I’m grateful to all those conversations.
It’s the last weekend to visit the exhibition in London before mum’s portrait and other works from the exhibition move onto Sheffield and the Millennium Gallery.
Over the last few months I’ve visited the National Portrait Gallery, hosted a portrait masterclass there, and am due to give a talk at Plymouth University in the coming month. It’s been emotional discussing this work, though I am truly grateful for the opportunity to share this image, her story, and my wider work.
Mum’s portrait leads me to consider how life meanders, following a non-linear, unpredictable path, similar to a river navigating obstacles rather than taking a direct route. It involves embracing, rather than forcing, the natural, winding journey of life—featuring moments of, growth, change, and reflection—which ultimately leads to a more fulfilling experience.
Thanks for listening in, hope to catch up with you soon, via a collaboration, an enquiry, commission, or just a common interest. Reach out anytime.
Take it easy, Joel.
Beautiful writing, beautiful photographs.