Not only do I have another preview of a piece for the next show, this post also includes a (draft-style, unedited) excerpt from the writing that will be accompanying the artwork in the companion book for the exhibition. Below is my first finished seahouse and the first paragraph of Brackley's journal entries on the subject of these mysterious marine formations.
"A fortnight ago I was speaking with an ancient sailor who, due to the terrible volume of chatter suffusing the pub in which we sat, misheard my question regarding types of seahorses in the region (I had been told by a colleague that this island was a rich source of unusual creatures, particularly seahorses). The old man did not answer straightaway, but beckoned to me to lean in closer, thus exposing me to his uniquely horrible breath, which smelled of anchovies and ale. When I had bent my ear nearly against his moustache-covered mouth, he whispered that he would take me out that week to show me the proliferation of mysterious seahouses that grace this sliver of the seas."
The entry goes on to describe the fascinating architectural and biological characteristics of the seahouses, but you'll have to pick up the book in February to find out what those are (one thing I can tell you, those houses aren't as sweet and innocent as they appear!).
