shannon critique of jaques

Jaques’ piece depicts an old style ship on the water. It is a ship with sails and looks similar to what the early explorers may have used. This particular ship is pictured on a calm body of water with what appears to be land on the horizon. It seems the boat is headed toward the land as there is what looks to be a rudder on the end visible to the viewer. The image consists of a line etch and aquatinting. The aquatint is darker and splotchy around the edges of the image area giving the print an aged feel.

When asked if he would like to say anything about his piece, Jaques simply said that he likes sailing. This would lead me to believe that this is a sentimental kind of work. But since it is a general type of imagery it lends itself, more than usual, to the viewers own interpretation of meaning. I think a ship like this one can conjure up a lot of feelings and thoughts. It seems historical since it is an old style ship, which makes me think of the time of the early explorers. Pending your personal view on that particular point in history, this could bring up different emotions. One might get a bright sense of new discovery and new beginning, while another may experience a sense of doom with the knowledge of the invasion of a land already civilized and inhabited by a native people. In a more general sense a ship can be viewed as a symbol of freedom. Many have spoken of the lure of the sea. The waters are open and free, owned by no one entity. The sea holds mystery and power. It is perhaps one of the purest and most unspoiled places on the planet.

Because of the aged look and the dated style of the ship this piece has a definite sense of history to it. Aside from that, I think it is an expression of Jaques’ love of sailing. It is a caringly executed work, but holds no overt sense of meaning. It seems almost like a record of something, whether that be a time and place or simply of a personal interest. Though the intended meaning is not clear, the image freely allows room for interpretation. I think this is successful in that, similarly, the sea is dictated by none and allows anyone who experiences it to explore their own sense of wonder.