Artwork Listing

I was drawn to some egg casings found on the beach near my home in Cullercoats on the Northeast coastline. The small Chondrichthyes are egg sacs, birthing chambers and sanctuaries for a variety of sea creatures, mainly sharks, rays, skates, and chimaeras. These tough, leathery sacs, often called Mermaid or Lady Purses, are protective shells, casings, or vessels which protect the species for up to 15 months while the embryos develop, and the conditions become favorable for hatching. Having discovered these Ladies Purses, (Chondrichthyes), I found myself considering the role and significance of the purse in a broader context. My own purse for example is a very private, restricted, and deeply personal, contained space, the contents of which embrace a vast spectrum of objects, items ranging from the practical and functional to the ritualistic and deeply private.

A more detailed description of the piece is available upon request to accompany the work.