#deep anatomy

[denisebatchelor]

We visited the area known as Salt Pond several times during our stay on Long Island. The whiteness of the salt somehow resembled snow, which was of course completely out of context in this environment! Melbourne artist Mick Douglas collected and carried bags full as part of his Sampling, Salting, Sounding project (http://theplaygroundnz.com/sampling-salting-sounding-circulation-6/), while I wandered around the lake and shoreline, talking and photographing locals who were also shoveling the wet white condiment into bags. Nearby, the farmers market provided more local fare - including jars of Salt Pond salt! 

Now back in New Zealand and starting the editing process, I am reflecting on the many experiences exploring this fascinating place. This site specific work has deeply influenced my practice - an upcoming exhibition may include material from Dean’s Blue Hole and the Vertical Blue International free-diving competition; the many and varied historical sites and cultural environments of Long Island; and the water - that glistening, clear, and every shade of blue green ocean that surrounds the majestic islands known as the Bahamas.

[denisebatchelor]

I have always had a fascination with churches. The architecture, the silence that looms within those vaulted ceilings evokes in me a stillness. Somehow it is a similar feeling to when I’m filming, and all sense of linear time is lost. As I explored Long Island, I photographed many of the churches and pondered on all the breaths that had passed through their doors over time. My project One Breath has evolved to include the many breaths of past, present and future, alluding to that underlying theme in my work - connection.

Collective breaths are to be heard singing from the many churches here. One I visited again, having first photographed it on a yacht delivery stopover in Clarence town in 1998. With its prominent two towers, and a unique view of the harbor, SS. Peter and Paul Catholic church is a landmark that I remember seeing far out to sea as we approached under sail so many years ago. Not much has changed on this quiet island since then and it remains one of the less ‘touristy’ destinations in the Bahamas. 

Father Jerome (Right Reverend Monsignor John Cyril Hawes) was an architect and priest who designed and constructed church buildings in England, Western Australia and the Bahamas - including the SS.  Peter and Paul Catholic church in Clarence town, Long Island. He served as a priest in the Church of England before converting to Roman Catholicism and later received ordination as a Catholic priest. After retiring, he lived as a hermit in The Bahamas, becoming known more commonly as Father Jerome. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hawes)

[denisebatchelor]

Reflections of Long Island:

Back in NZ and wading through the myriad of images from my project One Breath. What started out as an observation of the many forms of free-diving, quickly expanded to include the wider environment and waters of Long Island. Breath it seems, exists in some way or another in everything. 

As I watched the free-divers descend to depths unimaginable, I pondered on the breath of Dean’s Blue Hole. For it seemed, as I strained to keep a descending diver in my sights, that he/she was being inhaled - deep down into the darkness of giant lungs that would eventually exhale, returning the diver back to the light.

While this body of work is yet to be fully edited (these images are but a taste of my meanderings through the material of still and moving images gathered), it connects and relates to earlier themed works focusing on breath. To view: www.denisebatchelor.com (film: Owl Breathing; Just Breathe)

[denisebatchelor]

An incredible last day on Long Island, Bahamas. Boat ride out to the unending miles of sand flats and later said goodbye to the blue hole at dusk with one last swim around its circumference. Was rewarded with numerous fish and a ray. Thanks and farewell :)

[denisebatchelor]

Last night was amazing as we all (Vertical Blue and Deep Anatomy participants) gathered at Dean's Blue Hole to listen to two incredibly talented brothers. William and Sam Trubridge told their story from across the water using the Vertical Blue free-diving platform, and under a starry northern hemisphere sky, projected images onto the cliff wall. Afterwards, I had the opportunity to show an experimental video piece I've been working on, which was shot in the shallows surrounding Dean's Blue Hole. It was shot under water, patterns and light beams, and brought above the surface to mirror that of below.

[denisebatchelor]

What an amazing first day of record breaking free-diving at Dean’s Blue Hole. I’ve learned so much about this sport since arriving a few short days ago. Incredible to witness these athletes descend and disappear, only to reappear minutes later, slowly and serenely making their way back to the surface. 

Above the water, Sam Trubridge continues to count the diver up or down - 20 meters, 40 meters, 70 meters.... and even though there are support free-divers, judges, camera men/woman and a small group of onlookers, it is essentially a one man/woman show in any one dive.

As an artist this event is providing much to ponder as I observe fluid states of breath, light and color in this new (for me at least) underwater environment. I’m enjoying the process of exploration in my practice, while connecting and finding my own breath in this watery wonderland.  

[denisebatchelor]

Dean’s Blue Hole - Vertical Blue divers practicing safety drills yesterday. Competition starts today!  Feel so privileged to be here and taking part in the Deep Anatomy art/performance program. See links for more info:

http://events.verticalblue.net 

http://theplaygroundnz.com/deep-anatomy/ https://www.boosted.org.nz/projects/one-breath

[denisebatchelor]

Magical color flying over some of the many islands that make up the Bahamas