The strange fascination of the poetry of the Met Office shipping forecast started in childhood and a small transistor radio hidden my pillow. The mysteries of highs and lows, the ever increasing Beaufort scale numbers from flat calm to might storms has continued lingered in my subconscious.
Above all the strange mysterious names such North Utsire and German Bight hint and far off places of the unknown.
Why the Shipping Forecast as a vehicle to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support? My involvement started with a previous project the "Wee Ones" a journey of the imagination around the coast of Britain. During this year long project I went on my own journey of discovery and the sharing of stories, good and some times untimely tragic of how cancer affects us all and how its critical that no one should face this alone. I have always felt that the Artist's job was share their gift and for me this has many facets beyond painting.
Life is difficult enough at times and why should anyone face troubles alone.
What is the project about? The shipping forecast has been an inspiration to poets, painters, photographers, but I wanted to do something a little different. I wish to record the 31 areas of the forecast as a journey on the sea. I will travel into every Sea area by boat and ship, public and private, large and small as record and experience the essence of why for decades this served as a tool for sea goers to minimise the dangers of the open sea.
I intend to paint 31 24 x24 inch oil paintings one for each of the 31 areas sell them to raise funds for Macmillan. Each painting will retail at £500 of which 60% will be donated to the charity.
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