Hey guys! I recently did some research on a local artist named Jennifer Ewing, also known as the "spirit boatist".
Jennifer Ewing started with illustrations, painted, and graphic designs. She drew from real life, or what she called the "external world". Then when her father passed away, she was inspired to make spirit boats. Then the series grew after hurricane Katrina and the death of her mother.
She uses many materials from nature and recyclables such as plastic water bottles, plastic bags, cardboard, paper, etc. The spirit boats symbolize people's desires and emotions. When someone makes a boat, it is like they are shaping and molding their desires and emotions into an object. Then, when they release it into the water or just imagine letting it go, it symbolizes moving towards what is desired, like the boat is guiding their futures.
I really love the symbolization of the spirit boats and the fact that Jennifer Ewing uses reusable materials. Pretty much anything can be used in art and sculpting anyways right?
- Queena