With over 30 years of experience running her own studio practice, ecological artist Nic Acaster draws from traditional boatbuilding techniques to infuse and ground her sculptural works.
‘Walk The Plank 2025’ is part of a new dedicated series of work that explores the lengthy journey of acceptance Nic began after her father’s suicide in 2008. Inspired by his profession as a boat builder Nic bought and decommissioned,
RX320 ‘Rosie Haze’, a 30ft clinker-built Hastings fishing boat, to repurpose the elm planking, oak ribs, bronze, steel and copper into art.
Focusing on the rich materials used, craftmanship, storytelling and the artists sustainable ethics Nic’s jewellery considers the way craft transcends material truths to inspire a sense of personal worth and empowerment. Affirming the inherent value of her own and the boats past journeys.
RX320 has taken on many forms to include,
- Farleys House and Gallery 2021-present, ‘Cormorant 360’ and ‘Lookout Cormorant’ https://www.farleyshouseandgallery.co.uk/sculpture-garden
- 2022-23. Arts Council England DYCP grant. Explore and develop Nic’s casting and mould making skills. Focus - preserve the heritage of traditional boat building and its cultural identity.
- June 2024 National Open Garden Scheme,’ Three Tall Crows’ Coastguard cottages, Cuckmere Haven, Sussex.
- Royal Society of Marine Artists Annual Exhibition 2023, Mall Galleries, London. 'Striding Redshank' and 'Searching Redshank'.
- Visual Arts Open Sculpture Finalist 2020 ‘Rye Oystercatcher’ https://www.visualartopen.com/finalists2020
- Waveney Valley Sculpture trail in 2018. Site specific 40ft sculpture of a Blue Whale.
- Southwold Festival. Harbour Beach 2018, Site specific 40ft sculpture of a Blue Whale.