Description

Over time, a tray marked ‘Limbs’ for potential human figures housed 3 distinctive pieces of driftwood. To me, they showed costume, drama, and theatrical expression. Another tray of curious shapes, materials, tricksters, demanded imaginative interpretation beyond my usual remit.

It was the finding of ‘Diva 1’’s exquisite, burnt plastic head amidst the degrading ruins of a beach-fire that sparked an idea for the ‘Opera Singers’ series. I couldn’t believe her beauty, posture, power. I imagined La Scala. Pinned back in my seat as Maria Callas triumphed yet again. The exceptional markings: eye, mouth, hair. Now I was at Pompeii, discovering part of a 2,000-year-old statuette once owned by Pliny the Elder. Her swirling skirts accentuate these feelings, and the faded blue block on which she performs gives appropriate presentation.

Three items of salvage. Sometimes I pinch myself.