Does anyone remember the very first issue of Southsea Folk I did by myself? It was Issue 3, where I introduced an artist to design the front cover. I fell in love with the Mariner 7 by Simon Whitcomb and loved the final finished copy he did. Fast forward to this weekend and Simon brings a new body of work to The Corner Collective. Working on lots of new pieces, he is exhibiting for one wknd only. The distinctive blue ink is scattered amongst the walls of the gallery and the mariner has had some attention in the shape of new prints in true Whitcomb style, handmade where each piece looks ever so slightly individual.
Catching up with the artist and seeing the display of art ready for the wknd, I managed to capture his thoughts on his new additions to his already successful work. There are several new pieces that offer a sea creature that is described as the 'Cycloptopus' and may be viewed by many as some kind of sea monster but Simon is quick to shrink those ideas by saying that actually this character is meant to represent a message to us about how we must look after the sea. Having read a book all about the octopus a few years ago, Simon became fascinated with this cephalopod and wanted to implement it in some way in his drawings. The result is very impressive and dramatic.
As well as the new characters, fans can look forward to 4 special prints of the Mariner 7. If you aren't aware of this character then imagine a sailor that has his boat out on the Solent every day and knows these waters like the back of his hand, and carries a whole story in his beard.
Talking about Mariner 7, Simon said that he has always felt the ocean and sea have power and influence. He is fascinated by how people are so drawn to the sea. The fact we are an island surrounded by the sea, and how we always flock to the seaside to feel good and create memories means there is a real mystery there. Going to Glastonbury with his family in 2017, Simon was thinking about the mysticism and spiritual history that Glastonbury and Somerset hold which made him think of his home and his own environment. He then came home and started thinking about the power of the sea, the mysticism of the seamen at work, how we look to the tides which are affected by the moon and how there are wonderful seasons of the sea. The Mariner represents every man of the sea, full of mystery and mythology – a whole voyage of discovery with a story that speaks through his beard.
Speaking of this ink-drawn sailor and all the creatures going to be on display, the artist said he wants people to take away from his work the influence of the sea and what people can do to preserve these ancient waters; to think about keeping the beaches clear of rubbish and recycle plastic as much as we can. Simon uses recycled packaging as containers for painting. Wherever he can, he uses recycled items in his work and he reminds himself that this is something important both now and for generations to come.
Having worked as an apprentice in a printers during his early years before becoming an artist means all the skills that Simon has learnt have come in handy for creating specialised hand-finished prints of his work, so look out for 4 prints that are all slightly different due to the process of creating them and all for sale during the exhibition.
Being no stranger to Albert Road or a gallery on this stretch, Simon helped to create Wall Space which was situated where Wines By The Sea is now and was a gallery space that was ahead of its time. Holding a studio there, Simon helped set up the Love Albert Road festival along with his friend Matt Sills in what he describes as the vibrant neck of Southsea and watched the crowds adore this space which was unfortunately shut down to never appear again due to its high level of crowds and attendance! What a shame. So it will be a pleasure to welcome the artist back to his old stomping ground and bring a few friends along to celebrate his work.
Catch the exhibition by coming along to the preview on Thursday the 13th April 7pm until 9pm
or FRI and SAT 11am until 4pm.
See more about Simon Whitcomb below.
