Ghost Coast

‘Ghost Coast’ is constructed using pieces from 13 different commercial fish nets. This, along with the various small fishing line attachments and other plastic debris in the piece, is collectively known as lost or abandoned “ghost fishing gear”, referring to its ongoing impacts on fish, birds, and other marine wildlife as it drifts around the ocean. It’s a huge global problem. I called it ‘Ghost Coast’ in reference to this story. I also thought it a fitting analogy to the issue’s potential consequences, that ocean life will eventually become a ghost of what it once was unless we take positive action. I originally envisioned using various layered pieces of rope to create an artwork that mimicked the Chesterman Beach landscape, but once I started exploring ideas in my studio, I was taken with the contrasting but complementary textures and colours of the various nets and started experimenting with how to place them together. Once the basic design was in place, I decided to add the gulls in flight, and kept going from there, using the small colourful elements to build on the story about ghost fishing gear and it’s impacts on the ocean. The small glass Japanese fishing float was the last thing I added. I included it as a reminder to never give up on life’s hopes, joys and wonders.