Nets, Lines and Other Entanglements
The vast beauty of the ocean is a compelling source of my artistic inspiration. With this series, I’m interested in addressing environmental issues and use the net as a metaphor to reflect on our relationship to the marine environment.
I created these hand tied nets using marlinspike techniques passed down through generations of mariners. The craft of marlinspike seamanship is a nautical tradition of working with ropes and fibers to tie knots, splice lines and create “fancy work”. Knot tying is a labor intensive process; the subtle variation of each individual knot reflects the energy of the hand. One long line of twine is woven to create an expansive mesh of interconnected knots. For me, the slow process of knot tying marks the passage of time and establishes a connection with artisans of the past.
This series, “Nets, Lines, and Other Entanglements”, is part of my ongoing series of sculptures, paintings and photographs that call attention to an under water world and the interconnected forces of nature.
Hand Tied, interactive sculptural installation
Siren’s Liar
These net sculptures are hung from the ceiling by fishing line to give them lightness and mobility. The nets slowly spin around themselves as they react to movement in the room.
Siren’s Lair, cotton cord, found rope, kelp
detail, Siren’s Liar, cotton cord, found rope, kelp
Siren’s Song
Siren’s Song, cotton cord, found rope, kelp
detail, Siren’s Song, cotton cord, found rope, kelp
Hand Tied
This sculpture, was created with the intention of using it as an interactive piece. These photographs, “Hand Tied” were taken during a collaborative performance between me, and fellow artists, Denise Barth, and Bret Woodward. The simple gesture of the hand communicates an emotional experience of being held, or perhaps caught and entrapped within.
