THE cohesive relationship between art, artist and nature is highlighted in two new exhibitions, one indoors, the other in the open air, at Dutch House in Crayke Yorkshire fine art photographer Nicola Taylor is exhibiting Tales From The Moors Country inside the art, design and design centre at Mill Green Farm, while outdoors York sculptor Jonathan Newdick is displaying Work In Wood.

In Nicola’s series of images of the North York Moors, she uses herself as a model to create a surrealistic, atmospheric mystical world where the viewer is drawn into stories full of imagination.

“My work is influenced by local myths and legends about witchcraft, fairies, monsters and supernatural phenomena,” she says.

It was not always like this for Nicola, however. Until two years ago, she was a stockbroker in the City of London, but bored and exhausted, she opted to leave it all behind to become a photographer.

“I feel so privileged now that I get to spend so much time in the beautiful and magical North Yorkshire landscape,” she says.

Dutch House co-owner Cecile Creemers says Nicola is “at the start of an exciting journey that is reflected in her creative and unique artwork”.

“Her work is mysterious and tells a tale of forgotten worlds and mystical places,” Cecile adds. “It feels like walking into an Emily Bronte book. The landscape, colour and emotion shine from every image.”

Most of Jonathan Newdick’s new sculptures are charred to give them a dark, black, intense colour as well as an earthly power in which the wood returns to its elemental base.

“Jonathan is probably best known for his work in York’s famous Cat Trail, but he is a much more diverse artist, experimenting with wood, stone and on occasion bronze,” says Cecile. “His inspiration is a complex mapping of shapes, forms and landscapes, or even childhood memories, and his bold work is powerful and striking and fits the natural surroundings of the Dutch House garden very well.”

Jonathan, a member of the Royal British Society of Sculptors, says his Work In Wood show explores traditional materials of sculpture in a contemporary context. “The spectator’s eyes are drawn to holes, ribbed textures and geometric outlines such as squares, ovals and circles creating images on various levels,” he adds.

Dutch House co-owner Sjaak Kastelijn – who is also head gardener at York’s Museum Gardens – is very impressed with Jonathan’s latest burst of creativity. “Our garden has been designed to contain elements of sculpture, and although there are already sculptural pieces in place, this new exhibition completes the garden and embraces the cohesion between art, artists and nature,” he says. “Jonathan’s work is such an inspiration and works in perfect harmony with its surroundings.”

Nicola’s exhibition runs until August 5; Jonathan’s until September 2. Dutch House’s art café, art studio and wildlife garden, on the road between Crayke and Brandsby, are open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 7pm.