DIY: 2014 – Jason & Becky ‘Cabin Fervour’

A group of artists set sail on a two-day yacht journey immersed in the elements, to look back at the Welsh landscape from a different perspective.

Project Summary:
Wales has a long relationship with the sea. Over centuries it has been the blood supply to the beating heart of a country dependent on its ebb and flow. Dependent on the life and love it simultaneously gives and takes. Bringing in new communities and cultures, taking away explorers to new lives. The landscape seen from the sea is forever longing. A longing for the haven of life you are leaving, or the longing anticipation for the one you are embarking on. It is a wondrous, emotional and trepidatious land of hope that is less understood than any place on earth.

The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever. 

– Jacques Cousteau

CABIN FERVOUR offers this new perspective to 4 individual artists with varying practices (from painting to performance and everything in between), each with a relationship to ‘landscape’ and/or 'live art' in any form.

We are looking for artists of varying ages, with a range of experience in terms of artistic practice and a willingness to let go of their safety nets. The two days off-shore will offer an inspirational journey to look back towards Wales, enjoying the thrill of letting go and the enchantment of returning. The journey will take the artists out of their comfort zones in a way unique to the close-lived environment of a sailing yacht. Proximity, camaraderie and adventure will cross paths with reflection and discovery. Teamwork, endeavour and stamina are essential skills to be learned along the way as the artistic crew work together towards a common goal with unique perspectives. Reflecting on what they have left behind and what they shall return to. 

This view of Wales offers an insight into the longing and excitement instigated by the sea. The feeling of ‘letting go’ the hand of terra firma. Untying ourselves from the safety and shelter of the everyday to look back at Welsh landscape from an often forgotten perspective. A perspective steeped in historic fact and fable. 

Dates, times and location(s):
Tuesday 9th September, 7.30am (tbc) – Wednesday 10th September, 10.30pm (tbc). 

Participants will need to be available for the entire duration of the two days, and will need to bring spending money for breakfast on the first day and for food/drinks on the final evening. Participants will need to make their own travel arrangements in terms of getting to Swansea on Tuesday 9th September, and finding their own way home or making accommodation arrangements (if needed) on Wednesday 10th September.

Departing from Swansea Bay early on 9th September. Sailing to a location somewhere in the Bristol Channel for the night. Returning to Swansea Bay on Wednesday 10th September for reflection and discussion.

Deadline, noon, Monday July 21st.

Application procedure:
f you feel there is a significance to the words 'live' and/or 'landscape’ in relation to your practice, and you are interested in exploring new personal and geographical perspectives,, please apply via email to Jason & Becky cc'ing Aaron Wright. with your CV, and a statement detailing why you think this would benefit you and your practice. The statement is not limited to written word, but needs to be submitted digitally.

Owing to the nature of the experience, participants should be reasonably fit, able-bodied and willing to actively participate – however, no sailing experience is required.  If you have any questions, please email us.

The selection process will be based on creating a varied group dynamic. 

The artists:
Investigating the socio-economic and socio-political condition, we work collaboratively to address a number of questions regarding our current human and social state. We do this by challenging perceptions and encouraging engagement, blurring boundaries and pushing limits through interaction. We design and create site-specific physical and/or psychological environments which often use participation as a core element. Using sound, light, space, proximity, moral dilemmas and decision making, we subvert the familiarisation of people and place. Viewers and participants are often challenged to rethink their relationships to one another and their surroundings, confronting altered situations and simulated environments designed to create the uncertainty of internal dispute.

Contact:
Jason and Becky

This project is part of DIY 11: 2014 and is supported by National Theatre Wales.