The mermaid army – the artist celebrating the female form and wild swimming

THE MERMAID ARMY

Writer

Emily Hebe

Images courtesy of

Jayne Wright

Local artist Jayne Wright is on a mission to create a “stoneware mermaid army” made up of women who wild swim. The Recorder spoke to Jayne, who is based in Thanet and hand-sculpts vessels inspired by the female form, and a few of the Ramsgate women featured in the project

“It came as a response to all the unhelpful comments made about our bodies,” says Jayne, recalling experiences growing up and in adulthood when some people would remark on her physical shape. “I literally have spent hours googling what fruit or vegetable I am,” she laughs exasperatedly, referring to the apple or pear categories synonymous with body image. When Jayne came across fellow swimmer, Amanda, who was training to cross the English Channel and whose body had been called ‘chunky’, she felt the need to reach out and say “me too! Almost 30 years ago someone called me chunky and I have never shaken it off.” The idea that the reaction people have to our bodies and image, no matter gender, can have a lasting impact on the way we perceive ourselves is carried through Jayne’s work. The response has been to create sculptures which represent women, in the narrative they want to portray; to carve out the essence, personality and shape of a person in the most uplifting manner.

Reaching out to several open water swimmers, Jayne asked to create ceramic sculptures of their form. She collected images from each person’s social media and, using collage, created a vision she could sketch that would then inform a vessel. Looking at the photos, Jayne noticed they had one resounding thing in common; each person dropped the idea of the ‘perfect beach body’ for the anticipation of the sea. Peeling off clothes to run through the sand towards welcoming waves, the associations of body image and insecurities would crumple in a pile on the floor – right next to some sandy socks and shoes.

“One thing I’ve really gathered from swimming is the camaraderie – it’s real feminism,” Jayne says as she talks about body image and how putting on a swimming costume for the beach can come with complexities. After joining a local group of women who swim in the sea every morning, Jayne’s approach to her body in a cosie has changed. There isn’t any stigma, judgement or care; they all just get on with it, swimming, breathing, basking in the joy of living as the body takes over from the mind. The focus is no longer dimply bums, untoned tums and big thighs but instead an exhilarating need to stroke the waves. To just keep swimming.

Jayne’s Mermaid Army consists of many local women from the area and further afield. Georgie belongs to one of Ramsgate’s popular local swimming groups ‘The Mermads’ who go out each day at high tide at the Western Undercliff. “I swim because I find it freeing, relaxing and exhilarating,” explains Georgie. “It’s also helped my self confidence, self belief and esteem. Meeting so many different women who just don’t care or judge… has made me feel that I am good enough as ►

“My mission is to have an army of stoneware mermaids”

I am”. Asked how it felt to be sculpted by Jayne she said: “My body image has changed as I’ve got older, I love my curves now and accept all the lumps, bumps, scars and marks as part of my story. Jayne’s ceramics backs this feeling up and it’s been wonderful to see other women who are equally as proud of their bodies no matter what. At the end of the day our bodies are what get us through every day, good or bad, so we should love them for what they are”.

The community and liberation Georgie has found is a recurring theme with Ramsgate swimmers. Sisters Linda, Sally, Jane and friend Karen form Jayne’s “Mermaid Triad” with Linda collaborating on her own vessel and the triad by infusing ceramic carvings onto each piece. The group often grace the waves on Ramsgate beaches. Speaking fondly of swimming at dusk Jane describes seeing “the last orange glow of the sun disappearing over Pegwell” as “incredible.” “The three of us really treasure our laughs, chats and freedom to speak and undress without inhibitions,” says Sally. “There is no better tonic”.

The artwork created in this explorative project speaks to women in a positive way, and reflects on the liberation of wild swimming, an activity which has been on the rise in recent years. This response to another woman’s experience of a running commentary on their body and the societal expectations imposed on us as women (and many people regardless of gender), has opened room for discussion. Fuelled by the enthusiasm for her Mermaid models, Jayne continues to create vessels of strong, incredible, inspiring people.

“My mission is to have an army of stoneware mermaids” and what a wonderful plan that is.

You can see more of Jayne’s work and keep up to date with the growing Mermaid Army by following @jawceramics on Instagram

 Jayne Wright  Georgie