Commission
I was really pleased to be selected for the Light the South 2024 trail in Southampton with a design that really reasonated with my life and passions. This was a wonderful project to be part of!
Growing Up by the Sea
As someone who grew up on the coast, the ocean has always been a part of me. Its rhythms, colours and mysteries shaped my childhood – now they shape my art. When I designed a lighthouse sculpture for Southampton Children’s Hospital, I knew I wanted to create something that celebrated both healthy oceans and human healing.
A Sculpture with Heart
At the centre of my design is a large heart, symbolizing love, care and the vital signs of our planet. This heart wraps around the lighthouse and transforms into lungs, filled with vibrant coral branches and marine life; a visual metaphor for a flourishing, healthy ocean.
A stethoscope, adorned with a life-ring motif and a sailboat, listens attentively to the heart. It’s a nod to the hospital’s mission of care and monitoring and a reminder that the health of our oceans and our bodies are deeply connected.
The Ocean in Motion
The backdrop of the sculpture is alive with shades of blue and turquoise, capturing the animated spirit of the sea. Fish swim in and out of the heart, lungs and a fish tank at the base of the sculpture. This tank represents the circulatory system of the ocean: fish ‘blood’ flows from red (oxygenated) to blue (deoxygenated), symbolizing a thriving and well cared for ecosystem.
A Personal Tribute
Inside the tank, you’ll find two sandcastles. This is a deeply personal tribute to my father, who recently passed away from cancer. He loved building sandcastles with me and my siblings and this small detail is my way of keeping his memory alive in a piece that’s all about care, connection and legacy.
Art That Breathes
This sculpture is more than just a lighthouse. It’s a beacon of hope, a celebration of resilience, and a reminder that the health of our oceans and our communities are intertwined. I hope it inspires viewers to reflect on the beauty of the sea, the importance of care and the power of memory.
