Missy Crowell b. 1954

Missy Crowell spends much of her time finding inspiration in Maine, and this piece was a result of her adventures.

"[In Maine] I fill the days with walks along a treed and rocky shoreline, a treasure hunt for inspirational surprises.  The tide presents a variety of driftwood, bleached bone, an occasional mangled lobster trap and bait bags that are pummeled with rock as they meet the shore. Birds litter the shore with broken bits of crab or sea urchin. My pockets overflow like a pirate’s treasure chests and my hands clench a sailor’s knot that wasn’t to be left behind. 

The idea for Beachwalk emerged after years of Maine’s riches had collided. A U shaped piece of driftwood was able to cup my wrist while another lopsidedly draped my neck. I carried them with me the next summer but inspiration was not to be had. Oddly, a neighbor placed a life sized mermaid sculpture made of shells, wire, and cement in her garden over looking the ocean. I imagined if a mermaid would come ashore she would be draped with a  woven creation of  bait bags, driftwood, seaweed and pebbles. Most appropriate wear for someone of her position! When she returned to the sea her wear would float ashore  to be worn on a return visit.

 I fill my days walking along the rocky shoreline that is littered with treasure.  At the end of the day my pockets bulging with booty/loot that are emptied onto the deck where they are arranged serendipitously awaiting a curatorial review.  Some will be returned to the shore others are brought home to my studio where they serve as inspiration for winters to come." -Missy Crowell