Peter Sharkey and Joe Parker, South West Point, Lundy. October 2024
Sometimes a simple photograph is a prompt for you to re-discover and connect. This was the case with this photograph. My sister-in-law Judith took it of my brother Peter and Lundy Warden Joe just last month. They were looking out from South West Point, watching birds and talking about Devils Lime Kiln. The photograph reminded me of two great artworks. One is a favourite painting of mine. It was done by the 19th century romantic artist Caspar David Friedrich. Yet, in this case, a solo figure looking out from a craggy rock.
The other artist it reminded me of was Anthony Gormley. His Daze IV sculpture, also a solo figure and positioned in a similar vantage point.
The next day day, I saw the book ‘Land’ was re-stocked in the Lundy Shop. This prompted me to buy it and read about the Gormley ‘Land’ Sculptures.
Daze IV was part a small set of sculptures, created by Anthony Gormley to celebrate the Landmark Trust’s 50th Anniversary. Daze IV was installed on Lundy in 2015, whilst 4 other sculptures were placed at other Landmark Trust sites. I remember visiting Daze IV on Lundy in 2015.
In reading the section on Lundy in ‘Land’ , I particularly liked the quote;
Lady, whose shrine stands on the promontory, Pray for All those who are in ships….
T.S Eliot, Four Quartets in Land, Gormley, A. et al. (2015)
Daze IV is modeled on the male human body. This quote seems particularly relevant given the positioning of the sculpture on the South West Coast of Lundy. A shipping channel which has seen its share of shipwrecks. This idea of it being a Votive, looking out and looking after sailors and fishermen appeals. The idea is akin to that of St Michael’s church ruin on Chapel Hill in Braunton, North Devon.
Another quote in the book again, refers to the sculpture as female. This might be due to the interpretations of the two female contributors to the book.
And over there, within easy sight of the old lighthouse she is standing. The one who waits, as women have waited through history and time; for birth, for change, for news, for homecoming, for a boat visible on the horizon. Faith Patience, the long view.
Daze IV sadly was temporary and only on Lundy for a year. It is now in its current home, in Cambridge surrounded by concrete! Maybe this is the time to start a campaign. We should get it back to Lundy, bringing back our lookout.
Daze IV in its current Home, Cambridge.
Reference:
Land, Gormley, A. Richardson, C. Winterson, J. (2015) Landmark Trust.
Jane Sharkey 