Anima
“Portland emerged from the sea and will one day return to it”
On the 6th of May, 2023, King Charles was crowned King of England. As he waved from the balcony at Buckingham Palace, he stood on the stone that had traveled over 100 miles from the Isle of Portland. Portland, a tied island off the coast of Dorset, has provided stone for notable buildings such as St. Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum.
The stone, praised for its strength yet susceptible to erosion and weathering, mirrors the resilience and vulnerability of the working men on the Isle of Portland. This project delves into the contrast between their outward fortitude and inner struggles, exploring themes of resilience, mental health, and the enduring human spirit. It examines the quest for unattainable ideals amidst the harsh realities of labour, life, and the dehumanizing effects of industry, highlighting the tension between the fight for survival and the longing for escape. In nature, rocks and stones constantly transform, taking on new shapes and forms as they are influenced by the elements. This shows that even the most apparently unchanging parts of our environment are subject to change, reminding us that we too must be adaptable.
