There is so much to research when looking at superstitions at sea; I have been beginning to find the sheer amount of information overwhelming. I need to think about what I want to explore and focus my energy and thoughts on this area. I am trying to find direction.
My mind keeps returning to the final design outcome, which is a slightly daunting prospect; having visited Somerset House to see ‘Soil’, I can see just how many people collaborate to create such an exhibition.
I am continuing with my map of superstitions- but I am unsure if this is just a distraction; it is keeping me grounded whilst I research and wait to talk to people, so maybe no bad thing.
A couple of my illustrations for the map. These illustrations show the distinctive difference in attitude regarding women at sea. Women were not allowed at sea as they were thought to bring bad luck; at the same time, figureheads and tattoos of ‘sexualised’ women were thought to bring good luck.
Whilst misogyny was a thing of seafaring in days gone past, it is not something I wish to delve further into at this point.
I am debating with myself whether to get rid of the Greek Parthenon and Roman laurel reefs as although they are the roots of superstition, they bear small relevance to the sea.
Looking for a Contemporary View
There is a lot of historical information on superstitions at sea; I would really like to get a contemporary view, so I constructed a survey to ask about superstitions at sea. I am hoping to understand how superstitious behaviour makes people feel. I have asked peers and friends, and I will also contact local yacht clubs and other places where those who have been at sea may gather.
https://forms.gle/1xX9uMBjkALSkq2B8
I found more to explore with this wonderful insight into superstition at sea with an interview with Tony East, if I am unable to interview someone in person, this interview provides a very good substitute.
Scarborough Maritime Heritage Centre | Tony East on superstitions
Perhaps the giant shoe I found whilst fossil hunting off the south side of the Island wasn’t lost at all, but a superstitious gift to the sea dropped overboard prior to setting sail?
Imagination, Creativity and Symbolism
During the night, when thoughts come freely through sleep and dreams, my thoughts settled on three words ‘Imagination, Creativity and Symbolism.’ This is what I want to explore, and it is what I want to portray in my final design outcome. My survey asking people how they ‘feel’ will hopefully back this up with a contemporary viewpoint.
Interactive elements to the exhibition where visitors can add their superstitions to build a bigger picture of superstition in Portsmouth today. Something like a game or questionnaire. It could be in the form of a lucky dip, a pin board with a map of Portsmouth/Solent, a drawing or just some words. This is definitely something for me to think about and could potentially be an extremely effective way of collecting contemporary information for possible further study in this area. How Superstitious am I? (game)
A series of questions and scenarios in a questionnaire style interactive game. with scores 1/2/3 for each question. Scores are added up as it is played and user gets an instant on screen result, perhaps something like this could be achieved with a simple google form.
In the search for an authentic bottle of whisky, a most important part of superstitious seafaring, I discovered these 200 year old bottles.
World’s oldest whisky discovered in the cellar of a Scottish castle – Scottish Field
