‘Siren – Signal’  2011

During the International Lighthouse Weekend (Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd August, 2011), the 3 works that constitute ‘Siren – Signal’ were installed within Light Vessel 21 (LV21). Now moored at Gillingham pier on the river Medway, this magnificent 40 metre steel-hulled Lightship saw active service at stations around the Kent coast between 1976 and 2001.

‘Siren-Signal’ references my experience of growing up on that coast, where the Fog Horn sound was a seasonal event that signalled the warning of impending and seemingly infinite cloud conditions. The Horns mournful cry echoed along the cliffs, yearning and piercing the visually impenetrable fog and thick sea mists that curtained the land and turned days into eerie twilights.

Lying in my bed it was my belief that these sounds emanated from the flashing beacon that was North Foreland Lighthouse, Broadstairs. Thirty years on I was informed, contrary to that notion, that Tongue Light Vessel 1 (LV1) that had been moored stationary and mostly silent on the Tongue sandbank miles off Margate’s coast, was the source of the voice I had heard and which had comforted and blanketed my sleep.

Vocally creating all the sounds and manipulating them digitally; Siren – Signal aims to reawaken slumbering memories and experiences which are no longer a part of our coastal environment, whilst  at the same time reflecting on and echoing my own and LV21’s lost pasts.

Siren Signal by STEVE MCPHERSON

A waterline Light Vessel 21 paper model, created to cut out and create yourself. 2011

Artwork available for purchase, (some experience of model making may be necessary), £10 + postage. Email me for details, or visit Light Vessel 21 on the river Medway in Kent, to buy one directly from them.

A reworked version of Lost-Song, with sounds taken from the Siren Signal samples, and including as part of the exhibition the 8ft ‘Tongue Light Vessel 1′ drawing.  Part of the ‘International Light House Relay’ project of the Folkestone Fringe, during the Folkestone Triennial, July 2011.

60 Marine/beach plastic objects found on the coast of the UK, 1994-2011 (Including those both lost due to mishap and misadventure) Unaltered Marine plastic objects found on the UK coast, 1994-2010, and text on card

Artwork not available for purchase,  contact to commission one like it, E-mail for details.

On the 20th April 2011, members of the Light Vessel Historical Society gave four talks on board Light Vessel 21 at Gillingham pier, Kent. Discussed was new information regarding the secret history of LV21, and its unique experimental role during 1944 at the East Goodwin Station. With the help of documents recovered from archives , diary entries and personal effects from the former crew, the story was revealed, questions asked, and information based on current findings divulged.

Collaboaration  with artists Sarah Britten-Jones, Fiona Long and Katy Beinart,  for Figure Ground Projects

‘System Accumulation’, 2011 Unaltered Marine plastic objects found on the UK coast between 1994-2011 collated and created to reflect the mean temperature of the UK official summer of 2010

Artwork not available for purchase,  contact to commission one like it, E-mail for details.

18 Heads, (showing a variety of emotions and characteristics)’ 2011 Unaltered Marine plastic objects found on the UK coast, 1994-2010, entomology pins and text on card

Artwork available for purchase mounted in acrylic box frame approx 21×29cm and priced £550.00. E-mail for details.

‘16 Figures, No2, (Including the brave and the foolish)’ 2011.  Unaltered Marine plastic objects found on the UK coast, 1994-2010, entomology pins and text on card

Artwork available for purchase, mounted in acrylic box frame, priced £550. E-mail for details.

‘ Combination Piece -Lrg Cream No1, (What floats and sinks)’2010, Unaltered Marine plastic objects found on the UK coast, 1994-2010 on card

Combination piece artworks if not in stock are available to commission, in Red, Grey, White, Black, Blue, Orange, Yellow, & Multi coloured. Otherwise prices start from £950.00. E-mail for availability, images and information. (Lrg Cream No1 – Not in Stock).