ALONG the Pembrokeshire coast, brought by the wind and sea, debris accumulates within crevices between rocks, between small pebbles, in larger gullies, along the foot of cliffs and hidden behind banks of sand. Bits of manmade artefacts, smashed and smoothened by the elements, are mixed with mollusc shells and seaweeds. Amongst the greys and whites of the natural beachscape these interstices provide in contrast small selections of multi-coloured detritus.

Working with processes akin to tides and weather, artist Ruth Sargeant gathers material - fragments of ceramic, cloth, maps, paper, glue, wax - and with heat, melting, burning and singeing, assembles the piece of work which may be crushed, scored, scratched or otherwise eroded to reveal underlying layers, or further covered, buried with material, to trap or conceal what lies beneath. Old canvases may be torn up and incorporated into the current work. Abstract, richly textured and subtle images evolve, fragile patterns and colours, evocative not only of the long creation of the landscape of Pembrokeshire, but of other ancient earthscapes.

Ruth was a BA (Hons) student in Carmarthen's West Wales School of Art, initially studying ceramics, some of which appear periodically to accompany her exhibitions or installations. But it is in the field of mixed media collage and painting that Ruth has developed her unique, multi-layered approach, wild in the physical execution with blow torch, knife and sandpaper, but deep in the thought processes behind the work.

The work falls between rather than within the familiar boundaries of accepted genres or media. Viewers are likely to be caught in thoughtful examination of the small details and quiet consideration of the whole: a contemplative experience of the enigmatic surfaces, fully intended by the artist.

Ruth works instinctively, not keeping to a formula or strict order of process, and in direct response to a place. Thus for her each series of work represents that place, acknowledges her companion there, and bears in mind the destined location - in this case the White Lion Street Gallery in Tenby.

Ruth Sargeant's exhibition 'Interstitial' will show from June 1 to 28. The gallery, in White Lion Street, next to the old cinema in Tenby, is open from 10 am to 5 pm every day except for Wednesday.

For further information telephone 01834-843375 or view the website: http://www.artmatters.org.uk">www.artmatters.org.uk