A Captivating New Film Series
Norfolk Artscape is a new, original online documentary series capturing the art-scene in Norfolk created by Norfolk based filmmaker Dom Thorby.
A series of 10 short films on YouTube explores the work of painters, sculptors, glass makers and crafters living and working in Norfolk, looking at the inspiration behind their work and their creative process. All the films capture a wide diversity of creative skills. The series also explores the connection to the place artists live, how their work is influenced by Norfolk’s vibrant wildlife and scenery.
The aim of the Norfolk Artscape films is to inspire people’s creativity and make them think about trying something new. How creating something can have a positive impact on our lives, encouraging wellbeing through art. Viewers will gain an understanding and appreciation too of how the place we live can influence us and our imagination.
Running between 3 to 6 minutes each, the films focus on the artists themselves—sharing who they are, what inspires them, and how they bring their ideas to life.
The Story Behind Norfolk Artscape
The idea for Norfolk Artscape began in 2018, when Dom Thorby was asked to create a promotional film for local wildlife and landscape artist Philip Yorke. Deeply passionate about both Norfolk and art, Philip and Dom quickly formed a close friendship.
Through Philip’s connections in the local arts community, they went on to collaborate on several films, including one of landscape artist Brian Lewis and renowned sculptor Tanya Goddard. What began as a creative collaboration soon became a labour of love, leading to the idea of developing a series titled ‘Artscape’, which aimed to explore the work of various artists living and working in Norfolk.
As time went on, both became increasingly busy with other professional commitments, and the project was put on hold. Much of the footage they captured remained unreleased, stored on a hard drive.
Tragically, Philip passed away in August 2024. In the time since, Dom felt a strong desire to complete the project they started, believing it to be part of Philip’s legacy.
“Philip was an incredibly talented artist, his love of nature and his passion for art has helped shape this project, and I wanted to create something he’d be proud of. We had a special friendship, his wonderful creativity will be remembered always.” – Dom Thorby
A diverse showcase of Norfolk art
The original films that Dom and Philip created together are now available for viewers to enjoy on this website. As well as some recently made films showcasing the incredible diversity of art made in Norfolk.
Some of the artists featured as part of this series, includes glass maker Claire Hack, who works at her blue flame glass studio in Salle near Reepham. The film looks at her creative process and showcases the passion she has for creating beautiful pendants and bespoke pieces from glass. Sara Kenyon creates vibrant watercolour paintings of garden birds and artist Sally Temple creates oil paintings based on the scenery and dramatic skies around Morston Quay using her hands instead of brushes to paint.
Shane who is based in Worstead creates unique dreamlike heat press collages, turning photographs of popular Norfolk landmarks into incredibly imaginative artwork using a mixture of ink work and digital image editing.
Each film not only showcases artwork but invites viewers into the homes, studios, and lives of the artists themselves – highlighting how where we live can help shape what we create.
About The Filmmaker
Dom Thorby is a freelance graphic designer and filmmaker based in Norfolk.
Passionate about making films and capturing people’s stories.
With 10 years experience working with the BBC, he has filmed and edited a range of music videos, performances and documentaries for ‘BBC Introducing In Norfolk’ and the BBC produced film project ‘Norfolk On Film’. He has also done work with mental health charities, creating video toolkits and films to promote mental health awareness.
If you enjoy Norfolk Artscape and would like to support the project, please consider buying me a coffee through Ko-fi. Every donation, big or small, helps make it possible to continue creating and sharing these films. Thank you so much for your support!