Rich Wells, a talented artist based in Sheffield, creates captivating moving collages that encapsulate the essence of various places using an array of photos, videos, sound bites, and illustrative elements. His work documents his exploration of landscapes and landmarks near and far, including his bicycle rides around different parts of the U.K. and even moments as ordinary as his own kitchen table.
Wells describes the process of creating these collages as a form of modern-day Victorian photography, where he aims to capture the feeling of being in a particular location. Despite using tools like Adobe After Effects and his iPhone, he manages to manually cut out shapes from images and drawings to combine them with videos and sounds, resulting in what he refers to as “looping worlds.” These short clips, typically around 10 seconds long, create a sense of continuous movement and serve as animated time capsules of specific moments.
During challenging times, Wells finds solace in creating art that encourages both himself and others to look up and appreciate the world around them. Alongside his partner Bryony Wells, he is also the co-founder of the creative studio Make Better. His work can be viewed on his Instagram page and website.
Some of Wells’ notable pieces include “Sugworth Road” from 2020, a mesmerizing collage capturing the essence of a cycling journey, and “Kitchen wildflowers” from 2022, which transforms mundane kitchen scenes into vibrant visual experiences. These collages showcase Wells’ unique artistic vision and ability to blend different elements seamlessly.
Through his art, Wells invites viewers to pause and appreciate the beauty of everyday moments, whether it’s the simplicity of a kitchen table or the grandeur of a cycling adventure. His work serves as a reminder to look beyond the ordinary and find inspiration in the world around us.
