Underwater Sculpture Park - breathtaking beauty and vision

Submitted by Dr. Jessie Voigts on Tue, 05/20/2008 - 21:46.

Some of the most beautiful places on earth are under water. The noise of the world is muted, and you tune into the subtler sounds of the sea. It is a magical, mystical place that I feel very privileged to explore.

One of the most impressive things I have ever seen is an enhancement to the beauty of the underwater world. It is an underwater sculpture gallery, in Grenada, created by global artist Jason deCaires Taylor. Designed to evolve with the sea, each statue is both beautiful and otherworldly. I was lucky enough to sit down and talk with Jason about his work.

Jason deCaires Taylor

WE:  What started you in scuba diving and exploring

the underwater world?

JT: I spent a large portion of youth living close to the sea in Malaysia. This early interaction formed my love for the ocean. Later on I then trained as a Dive instructor on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and also became a underwater naturalist instructor. Most of my artwork has always stemmed from documenting an objects interaction with its environment so it only seemed like the natural conclusion to combine these two lifetime passions.

WE: What led you to a career in art?

JT: I come from family with strong artistic roots and

have always been encouraged to follow the career of

my choice. Art and in particular sculpture has always

been a life long passion of mine.

WE: How did you start to create underwater sculpture?

JT: I chose to start producing works underwater for many reasons,

firstly I wanted to create artwork which had specific environmental

goals, I became disillusioned with constructing works to decorate

gallery walls and homes. I wanted to also show how man's

interventions could create a positive impact on our planet and

symbolize a sustainable future.

A marine environment is also full of unique challenges and unpredictable responses which I find extremely interesting and exciting.

Here is a part of one sculpture, and shown again 6 months later...

WE: What has been the reaction of people, when they

see your work?

JT: I have been extremely overwhelmed by the response

from visitors, many people liken it to an archaeological

experience, some people find it spooky and bizarre

while others describe a euphoric and highly personal

encounter.

WE: Where are you looking for future projects? What

makes a site meaningful or useful to you?

JT: Most of the sites I look at, are mainly from a

practical angle. The sea can produce immense forces

which can damage the sculptures. Most of the work

goes into finding locations with shelter and suitable

substrate. Regions with a particular strong history

and identity also add to the impact of the work.

WE: What are your favorite parts of creating this sculpture a

nd placing it underwater?

JT: Most of the practical side is extremely labour intensive,

most people think working in tropical locations is like a holiday,

when in reality it is more of a construction project. My favourite

part is the documentation, photographing and filming the work.

It is really exciting looking at the ecological changes and

atmospheres created by different weather patterns.

WE:  Who do you use for your models?

JT: I am always looking for volunteers to cast or

model for the sculptures, I aim to find people from

ordinary walks of life, of various backgrounds and age.

People where there character and form help describe

where they are from. If any of your members live in or

will be in London, please look me up!

WE: I love that the sculptures are growing barnacles and

hosting sea life - was that a vision for you, to create a

totally organic sea project?

JT: All my work is about change and forming sculptures that mirror the

evolutions of our lives.  I always wanted to encourage the development

of Marine life and subsequently many of the designs and materials have

this mind. My next body of work is actually taking this one step further

and I hope to be able to take cuttings from damaged corals and implant

them onto a structure, using the growth to create the shape and form.

WE: What medium do you create the sculptures from? I see that

after time, each sculpture changes with the sea growth!

JT: Mainly building cement which has been modified to promote

coral growth. Also stainless steel and fibre glass resin.

WE: Tell us a little bit about Grenada.

JT: Moilinere bay is now home to sixty-five sculptures, covering an area of 800sq metres. It is located two miles north of the capital St Georges on the west coast of the island, within an area designated a National Marine Park. The bay is enclosed by rock headlands and has a small beach in one corner. Within the Bay the sea ranges in depth from 0- 25m. It can be reached by land, by walking down to Dragon bay and following the beach down in a southerly direction. It is roughly a 10 minute boat ride from St Georges and 15 minutes from Grand Anse.

Moiliniere Bay suffered considerable storm damage in recent years and the placement of an artificial structure has provided a new base for marine life to proliferate. The sculptures were also designed to create a diversion from other areas of coral reef currently endangered by over use from water actvities.

WE: Where do you suggest that visitors stay?

JT: When staying in Grenada, The Underwater Galley would highly recommend Blue Bay lodge. Located on the West coast, near the small fishing town of Gouyave. It offers an excellent opportunity to explore the ’real’ Grenada. Away from the main tourist hub and surrounded by lush mountains, it provides you with an experience to make you feel like an individual again.

WE: I see from your website that you have new projects in Italy and also in the UK. Your videos on youtube are certainly a joy to watch. Thank you so much for sharing your art and world with us – it is inspiring! I can’t wait to visit Grenada and see this beauty for myself. Thank you again!