Falmouth University alumni Onya McCausland has a new exhibition that examines new uses for waste materials found in ex-coal mining regions across the UK.

Her multi-layered, minimalist paintings and wall installations are made from 'waste ochres', produced from the mining industry.

Each floor of the exhibition pays homage to the origin of the materials used, recording the aesthetic intensity and unique quality of each landscape.

Her research has led to the creation of high-quality artist pigments in a range of rich, earthy ochres, giving new purpose to an otherwise redundant and environmentally damaging material.

The Zennor-born artist said: "My work aims to bring attention to the Mine Water Treatment Schemes as culturally significant sites where high quality ochres are forming.

"The Mine Water Treatment Schemes re-conceived as living artworks with public access will elevate their status from industrial waste sites by bringing them into full view and valuing the processes of colour production they perform."

Her work considers how specific materials and processes can be used as a conduit to open up interconnected underlying ideas that draw upon the changing economic and environmental conditions in today's landscape.

Onya is working with the Coal Authority and UCL to generate new uses for mine water 'waste ochres' as usable coloured pigment for paint.

Landscapes runs at Anima-Mundi, St Ives until December 12.