2025,
Recycled timber, reclaimed iroko and corkscrew willow from a tree that needed to be felled
The title ‘Down the Hatch’ of this work comes from the phrase “necking a drink,” originating from the practice of loading cargo onto ships and linking to Watchet’s working harbour.
The sculpture is designed around a central hatch, evoking a well or vessel that might hold liquid - with a spiral walkway leading people to look down into an opening. Set inside is
Bubble Dance, a work echoing the fermentation process. Extending from the piece are willow forms that reinterpret the historic ale stick, once used by alewives to signal that ale was for sale.
This work continues my exploration of sculptures that hold moving image works. Alongside
Bubble Dance, a second work
Vessels is situated in the structures side.
Down the Hatch was first presented in
Down the Hatch (2025), a solo exhibition commissioned by East Quay, Watchet and funded by Arts Council England.
