Surface Tensions

Inspired by a famous stretch of the River Test (known as the Oakley Beat) owned by the National Trust at Mottisfont, Surface Tensions takes as its starting point the the unique ecology, history, ritual (fly fishing) and geology (chalk) present here, and explores how all this might be affected by climate change.

Surface Tensions

The Llantony Preview

Some images from this outing of Surface Tensions – HERE

Surface Tensions

Time to emerge

Emerging from lockdown like a Mayfly from the river, Surface Tensions can be seen for the 1st time on the last weekend in May – three days only! So if […]

Surface Tensions

Surround sounds different

I’ve been working with Thol on the surround-sound audio for Surface Tensions in SVA’s wonderful Goods Shed. By now he has at least 100 tracks running simultaneously, so it takes […]

Surface Tensions

Searching for synchronicity

Last week I was working with Nat and Than in SVA‘s Goods Shed on the final stages of Surface Tensions. We have all learnt so much over the past year […]

Surface Tensions

@surface.tensions VII

With Surface Tensions now put on hold thanks to lockdown, I’m doing what I can in isolation. So, here are the latest images from the project Instagram account @surface.tensions Enjoy!

Surface Tensions

@surface.tensions VI

Here is the latest batch of Instagram work-in-progress pics (@surface.tensions) for Surface Tensions. I have been experimenting with drawing a small section of the riverbed in VR, also taking images […]

Surface Tensions

@surface.tensions V

Today I’ve been drawing FM Halford using a chalk line. See @surface.tensions on Instagram for details.

Surface Tensions

@surface.tensions IV

Work continues on Surface Tensions, which is scheduled to open on Friday 24th April at Mottisfont. I’m continuing to post updates on my Instagram account @surface.tension

Surface Tensions

@surface.tensions III

Surface Tensions continues on Instagram (@surface.tensions)

Surface Tensions

@surface.tensions II

You will find me on Instagram for this project.

Surface Tensions

@surface.tensions

For those of you subscribed to this blog, a quick update on Surface Tensions. From here on in I am going to be posting on Instagram, rather than via WordPress. […]

Surface Tensions

Artful Dodger Reboot

I started this blog with one of Halford’s flies – No.77, the Artful Dodger. So to end my most recent day in the VR Cave at the Corsham Institute I wanted […]

Surface Tensions

My frictionless fly

Watching videos of fly tying, I’m aware of how tight the feathers and string are tied around the hook. The fly tyer never lets the twine relax, always maintaining tension […]

Surface Tensions

Shank, gape and barb

In the catalogue this Dry Fly Supreme hook is described as having a “standard shank, round bend, wide gape, and a down-eye, all of which makes it “the ideal all […]

Surface Tensions

Hat on a hat

This will be the first commission in which I use music. I have always steered clear of it in the past: partly because, I think, it can so easily take […]

Surface Tensions

Aerial calligraphy

Not strictly to do with the Test, Mottisfont or F.M Halford, but I came across this in my research. I have always thought of casting – the whisking, flipping and […]