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Mayflower voyage inspires 'Journey' sculpture by Nadine Collinson

Aug 14, 2020

Whether they are physical, emotional or spiritual, we all embark on a journey.

Sometimes we don’t believe we will reach our destination. Sometimes we fear the path, or are excited by it, but each time we learn something new.

‘Journey’ by Nadine Collinson, is inspired by the voyage of the iconic ship, the Mayflower, which carried its passengers and crew from Holland and England to America in 1620.

This was a miserable and treacherous journey, with the men, women and children on board at the mercy of the sea. However, this dangerous journey to reach America, was equally one of hope.

This sculpture represents how our own journeys may not be this obvious, we might not even recognise them at the time - just as we cannot see the wind that pushes into a sail, but we do feel its force as the boat progresses through the water.

The tilted mast represents not only the stormy waters the Mayflower battled through, but the difficulties encountered in any personal journey.

Nadine says: "The message I’d like ‘Journey’ to convey is that with tenacity and perseverance, we can overcome hurdles we face in our lifetime.

"I hope to show how the ultimate achievement is greater than if the journey had been 'plain sailing'.

"More than 130 million people can trace their ancestry to the passengers and crew on board the Mayflower. Every journey we make as individuals has impact.

"Today, 400 years on from the Mayflower’s journey, climate change is at the forefront of our global agenda.

"At a time in history when we are encouraged to carefully consider our carbon footprint and every physical journey we make, could our quest to become carbon neutral be the most important journey of our time?"

About the artist

Nadine Collinson grew up on the South Wales coast. She moved to London to become a fashion model then turned her attentions to the other side of the camera and enjoyed a successful career as a Special Effects Producer working in high end television commercials and pop videos.

After having children Nadine decided to her pursue her own artistic journey as she has always been captivated by anything that combines movement with expression, texture and personality.

The equine form in particular unites both muscular strength and power with an inherent gentleness and fragility. She strives to use a multitude of materials in her work to capture these attributes in both 2D & 3D. Her bronze “Horse Duet” sculptures have been shown at The Garden Gallery, Stockbridge, The London International Horse Show, Olympia and The Longines Royal International Horse Show, Hickstead, The Grange Festival, and The Winchester Portrait Exhibition.

Human portraiture is also of keen interest to her. One of her portraits was shortlisted for The Society of Portrait Sculptors “Face 2016” exhibition in London.

She is keen to recycle materials and uses elements from the subject to create atmosphere and shape in her work. Distressing materials to create depth and texture also play a large part in her technique.

Nadine now lives in the Hampshire countryside with her husband, two daughters, horses, alpacas and dog. Her passion for horses and relationship with animals inspires her need to communicate their beauty and character.