This is one of the pieces in the Verdant Works Exhibition ‘The Arctic Whaling Year’, Autumn 2018. Early, non-industrialised whaling was a dangerous activity. When lookouts on a whaling ship saw a whale, the whaling boats were lowered and quietly rowed towards the whale. These boats were smaller than the whales they were hunting and whalers had to approach a …
This is one of the pieces in the Verdant Works Exhibition ‘The Arctic Whaling Year’, Autumn 2018. Whalers were as superstitious as any other sailors and had many rituals which they observed. They also amended rituals for the circumstances they found themselves in. A good example of this is the crossing the line ceremony. This is traditionally an initiation for …
This is one of the pieces in the Verdant Works Exhibition ‘The Arctic Whaling Year’, Autumn 2018. As whaling decreased the populations of whales, the whalers hunted other marine mammals to maintain their profitability. Seal skins were a valuable commodity and to maximise the economic return, whaling ships could leave earlier from British ports, pick up men from places like …
This is one of the pieces in the Verdant Works Exhibition ‘The Arctic Whaling Year’, Autumn 2018. Whaling ships setting off to the Arctic had to be self-sufficient in all they would need for the long summer whaling season. They took everything from harpoons, spare whaling boats and rope to extra clothing and canvas. They also had to take a …
This is one of the pieces in the Verdant Works Exhibition ‘The Arctic Whaling Year’, Autumn 2018. Many whaleships from English and Scottish mainland ports called into Orkney and Shetland to pick up further supplies and additional crew. The whaling agent Hay and Co in Lerwick, Shetland recruited local men, who were good sailors and cheap to employ, to act …
My artist statement currently states that “I make work inspired by Moby Dick and British Arctic Whaling, inspired by my travel and research. I am aware that this is quite a niche practice, but I carry on regardless, and for once this approach has paid off! The White Hart in Downham Market, Norfolk has been returned to its original name …
Wondrous Whale. Sewn whale skeleton, screen printed map, quilted textile. Inspired by the Burton Constable Sperm whale skeleton mentioned in Moby Dick and door panels in the Chinese Room in the Hall. Made as part of my Residency at Burton Constable in 2015/16.
Gigantic Fan. Layered screen printed fabric. Inspired by the Burton Constable Sperm whale skeleton mention in Moby Dick, and the journey the whale skeleton took from Tunstall on the coast to Burton Constable Hall. The close up detail shows the map in white that shows both these places. Made as part of my Residency at Burton Constable in 2015/16. …
Gothic Spire. Layered digital print and painted fabric. Inspired by the Burton Constable Sperm whale skeleton mentioned in Moby Dick and door panels in the Chinese Room in the Hall. Made as part of my Residency at Burton Constable in 2015/16.
The Measurement of the Whale’s Skeleton. Painted and screen printed fabric. Inspired by the Burton Constable Sperm whale skeleton and the wall and border in the State Rooms in the Hall. Made as part of my Residency at Burton Constable in 2015/16