Sopheap Pich

Some years ago I was travelling in Cambodia and caught a river ferry from Battambang to Siem Reap. As I journeyed past floating villages and numerous communities on the river banks I saw some amazing sights, to say nothing of the people themselves, so hard working, happy and friendly. Their homes were all designed to cope with massive changes in water levels as seasonal flows back filled from the Tonle Sap lake and river systems.

Fishing is a form of livelihood and so with elaborately crafted nets families would cleverly seek out food sources. (Amongst which is small fish to make the ubiquitous Cambodian version of fish sauce)

Fish nets could be on a grand scale, like monumental sculpture.

















So when I saw the work of Sopheap Pich and read that he came from Battambang it was an instant connection as to his likely influences.

Upstream 2005 Bamboo, rattan & wire

         Morning Glory   2011













    
    Cycle 2  2008  Rattan & wire

http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2013/sopheap-pich
http://sopheappich.com

John Wilson Ewbank

I recently discovered that I am related to John, he was born in 1799, worked in Scotland, was instrumental in establishing the Royal Scottish Academy and was doing well by all accounts until he took to the drink and fell into poverty .... oh well! He died aged 48, in 1847.

John Wilson Ewbank, The Mouth of the Tyne