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It has been a slow (and rather complicated) business – and I am, after all, a slow worker: slow by both temperament and choice.

But we have been landlubbers too long. With a bit of luck, Shearwater should be out on the water by early Autumn 2022.

I am looking forward to that auspicious Day.

The merest glimpse of Shearwater – moored in the shallows, perhaps, or drawn up with sails furled at the edge of the bay – somehow engendered a sense of comfort. She was undoubtedly poised for her next voyage….and all must be well with the world. *

*My Father as Mariner, page 91.

Herbs for the Boatshed:

Thyme, Marjoram, Sage, Valerian, Brahmi, Yarrow, Bay, Lemon Grass, Lavender, Comfrey, Rosemary, Chamomile- and,  of course, the indispensable Mugwort….

Fitting the gunwales….

Early Morning: Flinders Ranges
Mark Pearse

 

Delicate brush work from Mark….looks like he grabbed a scrap of wrapping paper, and got to work.

It reminds me of the beautiful ink paintings of Sesshu Toyo: a Japanese master from the 15th century.

I have just glued the number two Bass rib edgewise to the Centre-rib, and glued both to the neck block.

No going back.

In fact, the adhesive can be reversed, if need be….but I am not inclined to retrace my steps.

From now on, I will try to adopt the Wabi Sabi approach:

honouring  imperfections….

Stained-glass works by Anna Pearse (31st July 1970 – 25th December 1995).

Anna Pearse (a gifted maker of leadlight) designed this beautiful window many years ago. It was subsequently completed by her studio colleagues.

A tall window depicting Sun/Moon, Sky, Hills, Leaves and Ocean: that was the brief.

Alex and Ruth Pearse have very kindly donated the window to our Lady Bay Boatshed, where it will be installed – and cherished – for as long as the structure endures (my expectation is about 500 years – after which the posts and walls can be replaced, as in the Japanese temple tradition).

Shaping number six rib on the Bass side. You can see the Bending Iron to the right of the mould.

I have already snapped one rib – a result of inexperience, or impatience, or both….

 

….ideal for beginning cuts in the middle of a board; cutting an arc – and reaching into difficult corners.

One side rips down the grain; the other cuts across.

I think it will prove to be useful for our boat-building projects – and is , besides, a beautiful saw to hold and admire….

Well, there’s no denying it: I am a novice, and these things happen. My first attempt at a centre-rib proved to be unsatisfactory.

I have made a second version, and must now  adjust all the other ribs, so that they form a watertight lute shell. (Watertight is probably not the correct term, but that’s the way I think of the  process).

Slowly and unsurely the bits and pieces come together. I am still confident a musical instrument of some sort will emerge – and as I follow the Curve, I find myself having to learn (if not master) new skills, and old skills….