Cy Baker - artist in residence at Rye Harbour

Emma Chaplin  (she/her)

Communications Officer 

Tell us a bit about yourself

Art has always been part of who I am and I've always been inspired by the natural world. I trained as a scientific illustrator and worked for a number of years doing things like gardening books, pub posters and magazines, but the pay was poor and I was always fulfilling someone else's creativity, and, as a result, gave up all art for a year and got a 'proper job'. Art never left me though, after that year out, I kept trying and I've managed to make a living as an artist for about five years now. It was winning the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year competition in 2022 that allowed me to redefine myself as a conservation artist.

How well do you know Rye Harbour Nature Reserve?

I've been a couple of times and was blown away by the sheer expanse of a horizon that goes on forever, and all the life and the light there. We went early one morning and it was a dream for anyone interested in landscapes, wildlife and light. It's fantastic. I love to explore new places and I'm really looking forward to getting to know Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. It's such a magical place.

What's the purpose of the residency?

For me to track the course of the reserve through a year, the changes in seasons and the wildlife that comes and goes from there, migrating birds etc. There will be eight pieces of work produced from at least four visits. There will also be a one week residency where I'm based in the Discovery Centre, producing artwork of a scene looking out over the reserve. There will be courses and workshops as well as an exhibition of my work on the Art Wall in November/December 2026. I'm really excited about it. I love the sense of community I found at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, and the people I met there, such as staff, volunteers and Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve - all so knowledgeable about the wildlife there and so passionate about it. It's a pleasure and a joy to meet and speak to them. They are inspirational.

Has your style evolved?

Yes I think it has, it changes constantly. I think it's got more depth over time.

What wildlife are you most keen to spot on the reserve?

Golden Plovers and Whimbrel, as well as the whole reserve in various different weather conditions. I know Rye Harbour Nature Reserve gets a lot of weather!

Find out more about Cy's work here