Overview
In the summer of 2023, I spent 50 days at sea with 4 UK Sail Training charities supported by the Paolozzi Travel Award. Through the challenges of offshore sailing, the transformation of young people takes place. These paintings capture a snapshot of this time at sea: a parade after a leg of the Tall Ships Race in Cádiz, battling stormy weather in the Solent, and a quiet moment with the Bosun sharing knowledge of knot tying.
My personal transition from a crew trainee to sea staff enables me to understand first-hand the benefits time onboard Sail Training vessels can have. Sail Training is for everyone; the young people I sailed with were aged 11-17, from diverse backgrounds and with differing abilities. Absorbed in a completely different pace and way of life, a voyage empowers trainees and, through learning new skills, develops confidence, leadership, and teamwork.
This unique environment acts as a magnified reflection of society. A small-scale community, where in isolation, the natural environment, vessel, and people unite, making apparent what it can mean to be human: communication, collaboration, and tolerance.
During these voyages, whilst collecting preparatory sketches and reference images, I ran workshops as an alternative channel to document the transformation of young people alongside my art practice.
Thank you to Cirdan Sailing Trust, The Island Trust, Morning Star Trust, Challenge Wales, the Sea Staff and all the young people who sailed onboard.
Installation Views
