The Melt is a public art project by Anthony Garratt. It is rooted in the idea that the action of painting can build an emotional response to unfamiliar landscapes. We are all used to scrolling through photos of extraordinary places on a daily basis, but the action of painting them, which has happened for centuries is a way in which to engage with these incredible landscapes. Anthony has never seen an iceberg, but through painting them has built a fascination with, and a respect for them...
ABOUT 'THE MELT
'The Melt' was inspired by modern-day Arctic explorations; Firstly, Ella Hibbert, who is attempting to become the first person ever to circumnavigate The Arctic, non stop, and solo, on a self-sufficient sailing boat. This modern adventure sends an important message; it indicates that the North West and North East ice sheets open up enough during the Summer months, to make the challenge and record attempt feasible.
Secondly, an important citizen science voyage; Global Warrior, led by Jim Mcneill, sails to the Arctic and trains members of the public to collect real time scientific data.
Both Ella and Jim will supply the artist with photographs they encounter on their expeditions.
Anthony has painted giant, 5 metre long depictions of these monumental, melting calves of ice and then mount them on specifically designed structures to float in tidal locations on their own dedicated swinging moorings.
In a reference to time, and our changing global landscapes, as the paintings swing on their moorings, and each switch of the tide, the reverse of the painting panels will depict paintings of icebergs referenced from the earliest known photographs of Arctic Icebergs in the 1800s.
The project stands as a poetic nod to the demise of these geographical marvels and also a tribute to the spirit of adventure.
ABOUT ANTHONY GARRATT
Anthony Garratt is an artist who is exploring the idea that the action of landscape painting can build an emotional response to unfamiliar or vulnerable landscapes. His previous, large scale public installations have garnered much attention from an audience who encounter the artwork, engaging a wide demographic who would perhaps not usually engage with landscape painting.
​
With the exhibition of painting being largely limited to conventional interior spaces, these public interventions offer an interruption to a view of the landscape, and a thought-provoking take on environmental, or historically poignant topics.
​
Anthony is passionate that our future generations are able to link the emotional benefits of creativity, and it's ability to build empathy with landscape and the natural world. Accompanying workshops, talks and encounters linked to these projects are an essential part of communicating this message.
ABOUT ELLA HIBBERT
Despite her young age, Ella is already an accomplished sailor - qualified as an RYA Yachtmaster Instructor. She has always felt the most at home on, in, or under, the ocean, and is also a PADI Divemaster.
Ella is embarking on a record-setting, never been done before, solo Arctic Circumnavigation - a feat that has long been considered impossible. On top of that, Ella will try to complete the circumnavigation non-stop.
​
Ella has bought a Bruce Roberts 38ft yacht - a steel yacht that is suitably set up for single handed sailing. She plans to equip it with solar panels, hydro generators, wind vanes, and a water maker, to make it an almost completely self-sufficient vessel. She will be needing help getting her to the start line of the most challenging sail of her life - as she launches fundraising and seeks sponsorship. Help Ella with her sailing expedition: being the first solo sailor to complete a full Arctic Circumnavigation.
​
ABOUT JIM MCNEILL
Explorer Jim McNeill's Ocean Warrior project aims to provide a sophisticated, ocean-going platform for conducting scientific research and innovation, integral to the worldwide ocean observation network. The 100,000 nautical mile, 10-year programme focuses on collecting vital scientific data from the World's remote regions to enhance our understanding of climate change and other environmental shifts. It also seeks to calibrate and validate satellite-acquired data through 'ground-truthing'. Ocean Warrior will conduct its missions aboard the expedition tall ship, the Linden – Europe's largest three-masted schooner, embarking on prolonged polar ocean expeditions.
​
-p-1600.jpeg)
ABOUT ELLA HIBBERT
Despite her young age, Ella is already an accomplished sailor - qualified as an RYA Yachtmaster Instructor. She has always felt the most at home on, in, or under, the ocean, and is also a PADI Divemaster.
Ella is embarking on a record-setting, never been done before, solo Arctic Circumnavigation - a feat that has long been considered impossible. On top of that, Ella will try to complete the circumnavigation non-stop.
​
Ella has bought a Bruce Roberts 38ft yacht - a steel yacht that is suitably set up for single handed sailing. She plans to equip it with solar panels, hydro generators, wind vanes, and a water maker, to make it an almost completely self-sufficient vessel. She will be needing help getting her to the start line of the most challenging sail of her life - as she launches fundraising and seeks sponsorship. Help Ella with her sailing expedition: being the first solo sailor to complete a full Arctic Circumnavigation.
​