Stephen Ben Cox (born 1950) is an English artist (painter and sculptor), gardener, and author/historian. He was born and brought up in a village in Gloucestershire England, and rural themes and landscape came to dominate all aspects of his life. From 1968-1972 he studied art at the University of Reading (under Terry Frost, Claude Rogers, Rita Donagh, amongst others)to obtain his B.A. degree. In 1973-74 he was one of three British Council post-graduate scholars to Romania 1973-74 living and researching in Bucharest (during the Cold War) but travelling all over the country, especially Transylvania. This was during the Ceauşescu period of Communist rule. On returning to England he taught in British schools and then did post-graduate study at Reading University to obtain his teaching qualification PGCE (Post-Graduate Certificate in Education), then became an art teacher, interior designer/decorator and practising professional and exhibiting artist for many years.
From the age of 17 onwards his art was already deeply imbued with the power of Nature, the heritage of trees, and spirit of place and luminosity of certain landscapes. Joy, wonder and celebration were never far from his approach to Nature in his art at this time. The magical insight or revelation of the given moment of a particular view or perspective, or hidden aspect or corner of the rural vista combined with a haunting timelessness. His landscape paintings were like a series of secret gardens intuitively discovered. His paintings expressed a sculptural timelessness and person-like quality to the trees in particular - sculpturally defined like ancient creatures, waiting in the landscape for humans to once again know their language and bring them to life. Yet to him they were friends, and hauntingly sang to him. His teenage poetry expressed this aspect. Weekly (and daily during school & colleges holidays) he would spend upwards of 7 hours a day walking his native South Cotswold hills sketching the landscape and writing poetry. Looking back on those times now he can more readily appreciate the Celtic presentiment of spirit of place and of nymphs and anthropomorphic awareness.
The final period at University (Reading University School of Art) saw a gradual return of this monumentality combined with a deep fascination for the rhythms and intertwining of order and disorder: the theme of thesis- antithesis-synthesis more and more entered his work and philosophical approach to life.
He had exhibited his art as early as 1972, but from 1974 this increased. He exhibited in some group shows between 1976 and 79, but from 1979 he exhibited his art exclusively one-man exhibitions throughout Great Britain, mainly across England but also in Wales (Swansea) and Scotland (Dundee). These were in art galleries, art centres, and theatres. Some of them were sponsored/grant aided by the regional arts associations Arts Council England). In his younger years his subjects were Gloucestershire landscape.
As his career progressed specific and recurring themes emerged: order & disorder; the seasons; the cycle of the farming year; landscape and prehistoric sites (especially Avebury). In the final period (1980-1992) he also spent time travelling to and researching particular landscapes (Snowdonia, Dorset, the Somerset coast, Shropshire) and prehistoric sites, and would often camp out nearby to develop a deeper understanding of and respect for them. Of particular interest at this time was the Avebury Cylce of prehistoric monuments (commencing circa 3,500 bce) in Wiltshire, England: West Kennet Long Barrow, The Ave ue, Silbury Hill, The Sanctuary, Windmill Hill, The Ridgeway, and Avebury Henge. And then began writing about them and their religious and ethical and spiritual significance for living today.
A shamanic, or unifying approach to life incorporating all living things as well as the inanimate, became a guiding principle to his life. As the Rev. Michael-Crowther Green (Church of England spokesman for Faith & the Environment) pointed out on opening a Cox one-man exhibition in Oxford in 1992 that his art expresses the idea of the sacred in all things.
The landscape also returned to his art in three very unusual and distinctive ways: i) miniature paintings (3cm x 1.5cm) set within a larger canvas of seasonal oriented mosaic; ii) small and large sculptures built almost like totemistic temples using the raw materials of the land (tree trunks, stone) and the farming year (feedstuffs, harvest, dung, straw etc.); some being room size; iii) and large (3m x2m x 0.5 m) wall hanging 3-d paintings like temple doorways.
He was working mainly in paintings, relief, sculpture, and water-colour landscape miniatures. His work included multi-segment large canvases, mixed media pieces, and large temporary installation art using materials from farms and landscape direct (his art studio was based on a farm deep in the Berkshire countryside).
Together with fellow artists Christopher Hall and John Danvers he formed The Wessex Artists Union in 1977, (which had around 30+ artists) arranging group exhibitions of their members art and promoting artists rights and negotiating facilities across southern England. He also instituted the visual arts for The Hexagon entertainments complex in Reading shortly after it was built and organised many exhibitions for other artists. He also pioneered the concept of persuading professional artists to go into schools to give lectures and workshops. Additionally he ran scholarships and placements for students to gain experience of art skills and exhibitions.
As part of increased reclusivity he stopped all exhibiting in 1993. Then in 2005 he withdrew from all public contact/activities. In 2012 with health issues he moved to Wiltshire and went into semi-seclusion.
Writing
He has written over 40 small non-fiction books on history, heritage, mythology and folklore. These included works on: Celtic folk festivals, Anglo-Saxon folk festivals; shamanism; Anglo-Saxon mythology and deities; Anglo-Saxon futhark.
He has also written over 500 articles (not all of which were published) the following subjects: wildlife & ecology; ancient and prehistoric sites; architecture; the runes; Minoan civilisation; stone circles; long barrows; traditions and folk customs; folklore; folk arts and crafts; the 'Wessex' neolithic civilisation; legends; ancient religions.
He also composed a series of poems about the landscape, character and spirit of Dartmoor (national park) under the general title of Goddess Poems.
His last book on the English Civil War siege of Reading town 1642 ('Cannons on the Sabbath'), remains unfinished by one chapter. However ongoing is a series of recollections of 1950's West Country rural life. He now confines himself to research and writing about Wiltshire history, heritage and folklore, landscape, and architecture. So far over 62 subjects have been written about, with many more in progress. Some of these can be read on-line at Studley/DerryHill Wildlife group, and at Calne community website.
He is a keen writer on wildlife and environmental issues. He researched and wrote all the Environmental outline draft policies (Landscape; Biodiversity; Greening; Built Environment; Conservation & Heritage) for Calne Communities Neighbourhood Plan (CCNP).
Each month he writes a wildlife article for the parish magazine. He also writes on wildlife sightings and submits evidence for Wiltshire biological records.
Copyright Involvement
He is an artist member of DACS (the Design & Artist's Copyright Society), and author member of ALCS (the Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society). His art work and writing is registered with and protected by the two societies. He was a member of the board of management of the former. The Board of Management members at their monthly meetings assisted overview of the policies and activities of the Society. Whilst he was there the new Copyright Act was in preparation. Cox met with each arts spokesperson of the three main political parties at Westminster, explaining DACS concerns and proposals. DACS then submitted evidence to the UK Government on changes to be made to copyright law.
He undertook some publicity/promotion work including writing some articles in arts, and law magazines about copyright law and about the work of DACS.
Freemasonry
He was initiated into a lodge of English Freemasonry (UGLE) in 1991 in the Masonic Province of Berkshire and left in 2005 due to health reasons and incessantly increasing fees. During that time he served his Lodge in all the officerships (except for Inner Guard and Junior Warden because he was promoted ahead of sequential post). Unusually, he also served as Worshipfull Master of the lodge for two separate year-long periods of office (1999-2000 and 2004-2005), and in between those two rulings as Immediate Past Master, and then Assistant Director of Ceremonies for two years. He was attracted to it because of the antient history, high moral and ethical values for daily living and mystic symbolism.
Whilst there he also created a special ceremony for the 100th. meeting of the lodge which honoured the remaining but aged founders. This unique ceremony included participation of the daughter lodge, mother lodge and grandmother lodge. He also performed lectures at the lodge. He wrote a detailed booklet for guidance of Stewards and their duties and how to make their initial progress and learning in the Lodge. He composed an extensive Obituary on the life of one of the founders of his Lodge, which was delivered at the funeral.
Since leaving his lodge in 2005 he has continued private academic researches in Freemasonry. He has also built up a Masonic section in his huge library (comprising several thousand books). So far his Masonic collection consists of approximately 1000 books and manuscripts. He continues to add to this.
Police Authorities
In 2000, he founded then ran a Neighbourhood Watch for his area in Reading and then on moving to Wiltshire founded the Neighbourhood Watch for his area there. In 2010 he became an Independent Police Custody Visitor for Thames Valley Police Authority. He then transferred this job to Wiltshire Police Authority (see Wiltshire Police). IPCV's require police and security clearance. The role involves inspecting the cells and custody suite; interviewing DPs (detained persons) regarding facilities/provisions; helping to ensure PACE Code C of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 is fully implemented, and all Human Rights legislation is fully adhered to, and checking general and medical welfare of detainees. A duty of reassuring the public, checking suspects treatment & understanding of due process/facilities etc.; and helping the police to maintain high standards and transparency of the system regarding detention. Police Authorities in England and Wales have now been replaced by the Police and Crime Commissioners
Garden
His art activities have now been directed into the landscaping and design and management of his large garden (1/3 acre) in the county of Wiltshire, England, where he now lives. He said: "My garden might be said to be my studio now and each part therein being a canvas on which I paint. As for the landscape and wildlife: they were always my first friend and teacher. If Heaven or the Elysium Fields mean anything then it is as a garden where our highest ideals and hopes live in perpetual harmony and fecundity.".
This mammoth undertaking commenced in 2012 - the garden being gradually converted from a small unused field attached to the house. It now a designed suite of 'rooms': Fishpond; Waterfall; Wetland; Orchard; Beach; Vegetable parterre garden; Urn Garden; Moorish courtyard; Herbarium; Butterfly garden; Woodland; Cottage garden; Tropical garden; and also various collections (Grasses, Conifers, Dianthus, Heathers, Fuchsias, Roses, Phormiums, Begonias, Acers, Coastal) all being separated by sections of lawns, hedges, low walls of brick and cotswold stone, large wooden archways, pergolas, arbours, and paths. Another feature are life size statues of ancient Greek deities and mythological creatures. There are over 23 separate seating areas, 5 patio areas, and 12 free-standing fountains.
Wildlife is encouraged. This includes: Moles; Badger visits; Voles, Shrews, Mice; 23 species of butterfly; Swallows and many species of birds; several Bee species; Bats. The pond contains: Koi; Silver Rudd; Golden Rudd; Goldfish; Blackamoor; Fantail; Red, Blue and Gold Shubunkin; Green Tench; White Ogon; Ginnrinn; Blue Orfe and Honey Orfe; Canary Yellow; Sarassa Comets.
Planting and landscaping has been undertaken to attract and support wildlife. And various habitats have been created. All gardening is undertaken organically.
Student groups are catered for and specialist tours given, all on a charitable basis. Special public open days raises funds for registered charities and local amenities (e.g. the church, village hall, etc.).
In 2016, he announced that free scholarships and placements would be created to enable students to learn the skills of landscape design, gardening, wildlife, conservation, and green spirituality. These range from full-time and part-time through to residential places for up to 10 weeks. The first foreign students started in October 2017. So far these have been from: Switzerland (2), U.S.A, France (3), S.Korea, Germany (2), Italy. (they also engage with the local community socially and in education, sports clubs etc).
In 2015, the garden was accepted by onto the National Gardens Scheme all proceeds of which go to charitable causes selected by the NGS. Special open days for local villages are also arranged to raise funds for local charitable causes (church, village hall etc.). The garden opened to the public for charity in July 2016. Pre-booked group visits are accepted from schools, colleges, Women's Institutes, gardening clubs etc.
A wide range of charitable programmes are offered to the communitues of Wiltshire/North Somerset/South Gloucestershire and these include: 1. Various free educational facilities on gardening, art, wildlife environmental studies, landscape design. 2. Wildlife workshops. 3. Conservation and wildlife audits of the garden and of the local landscape for local people. 4. Special elderly visits to the garden are offered to residents of the local retirement homes. 5. As of 2017 the Trust works with Wiltshire Young Offenders Unit to provide placements for the reparation part of offenders programmes/sentencing. 6. Specialist placements/courses offered include: Aboriculture; Horticulture; Wildlife & Environmental studies; Landscape Design;Conservation.
The garden is now run as a charitable trust. It is not open to the public except for charity open days. Donations are accepted. All its staff, Trustees, including the Founder, work unpaid. On 14th. August 2017 it was accepted by the Charity Commission for England and Wales as a Registered Charity.
Environment,Conservation & Wildlife
He is a keen advocate of wildlife habitat protection and green management and enhancement of the rural landscape and environment. He is a life member of: The Council for the Protection of Rural England; The Woodland Trust; The Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; and The Ramblers Association.
He runs a local wildlife group which records species, photographs animals and landscape, and monitors habitat.
His garden has been developed as wildlife friendly (for example 22 species of butterfly are recorded annually). Habitats have been created for various ranges of species including: amphibians, fish, rodents, insects, birds. Nectar rich shrub and flower planting schemes are emphasised. There is also a small butterfly garden. On extended land he is now developing a small woodland with a wide range of deciduous and coniferous trees, shrubs and wild and woodland flowers.
He also writes a monthly article on wildlife matters (alternating with local history) for the Parish Magazine 'InSpire'.
Neighbourhood Plan
He created the parameters and draft environment policies for the Council's steering group, for which he was lead member for the Environment. Then put together a working group to devise the detailed and referenced policies as part of the local government steering group responsible for the creation of the Neighbourhood Plan for Calne Area Communities (CCNP) as determined under the U.K Government's Localism Act 2011, this Act requires every district in England and Wales to devise a local plan which governs and controls future development/building according to local objectives, values, needs,priorities decided by the local residents and voted in public referendum) and devised the initial outline environmental policies for this (these being: Built Environment; Heritage & Conservation; Biodiversity; Greening; Landscape). The CCNP (Calne Communities Neighbourhood Plan (Housing; Environment; Education; Transport; Health & Well-being) is going out to public consultation February 2016. Public referendum is due to be held shortly after August 2016.
Bibliography
Lectures
Tors Along The Way. Solar Passage in the Masonic Lodge. Squares,Levels & Perpendiculars. The Rough and Smooth Ashlar. The Compasses. The North East Corner. The Mystery of the Apron. The All Seeing Eye. The Rite of Destitution Elias Ashmole Bladud. Irminsul. Herne The Hunter. The Cosmic Rune Tree. Erdas Garden. Pylons of the Temple. Nature Melding. The Journey Home. Spiritual Living- An Approach. Redlands History. Northern Traditions of Meditation. Memoirs Life in 1950's Rural South Gloucestershire. Dartmoor: Land of the Spirit. Organising a Spiritual Day. Monastic Planetary Spheres. The Sacraments as Daily Life Creating Your Spiritual Garden. ComWatch:neighbourhood security.
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