Two Women, One Boat, 80 Years.
In November 2024, I was awarded a grant for developing my creative practice from Arts Council England. I had wanted, for some time to explore the relationship between two artists who have 'captained' Hyperion.
I was surprised when I bought the boat to learn that she had been run by women volunteers during WW2 and even more surprised when I learnt that the woman who ran her was also an artist. The grant has allowed me to visit her Nephew, Christopher, to see his collection of Vlasto's drawings, etchings, biography and trip record card, dated 1945.
Through this research I investigated what the similarities are between our experiences, differences in culture, outlook and of course what IS it about the canal that inspires our artwork?
2025 marked the 90th Birthday of Hyperion and 80 years since Vlasto filled in her Trip Card traveling from Hawkesbury Junction- where I will be winding the pair next week, ready for a working trip to Foxton.
Exploration
Until my trip to Normandy, I wasnt aware of Vlasto's skill and interest in printmaking.
I had initially viewed printmaking as related to the canals in a process based way. The changes the print goes through- mirroring the changeable nature of the waterways. However, the more I learnt, the more its material connection is becoming clear, especially with intaglio printmaking. I had thought about using scrap pieces of the boats to make plates but I hadn't connected aluminium plates to the history of the transportation of aluminium on the canal.
During this period of research I also worked with ceramics, lithography, collaborated on the production of tin type engraving, sound and the written word.
The research culminated with a solo exhibition at Foxton Canal Museum which brought together all of the different experiments and thoughts behind a connection that runs between the women of the water.