Lilywhite (Sculpture By The Sea 2)

Lillywhite by Roger Rigorth.

Materials:wood, coconut fibre and aluminium pipe.

Can you imagine running your fingers across those fibre strands, or sticking your hand in that hole? Maybe there's an octopus caught in there, or something warmer, fluffier and more inviting?

This work appeals to me as being a particularly tactile experience. It reminds me of an outrigger oar and a traditional basket. I like forming my own reactions to the works before reading anything about the artist's or critics' views.

In the Education Kit accompanying the exhibition, it states that it is "based on a cocoon, something between a body and a vessel. It is about carrying things which cannot be seen, touched or smelt. Roger is fascinated with the need to move, to explore, to find things and leave old things behind. He is also fascinated with bodies, cocoons, shells and containers. The theme of this sculpture is that it is a kind of creature that has washed up on the shore of the beach. 'We are surrounded by many invisible energies, thoughts, spoken words and things. This cocoon or 'creature' is an example, which collects these 'things', these stories from everywhere.' Roger is also influenced by tribal societies and their practical, spiritual and mental skills to cooperate with their surroundings and natural environment. He loves wool and all kinds of natural materials, everything which could possibly have a kind of soul." (Source: Sculpture By The Sea 2008 Education Kit)

Read more, and see some sketches here. See more of Roger Rigorth's works here (in German)
and more here.

Tomorrow: A cultural icon of the 20th century, achieveing more than 15 minutes of fame.