#sou'wester

[ltwilliammowett]

The Sou’wester

This very distinctive waterproof hat, known as a sou'wester, was first recorded 1837 as being used by fishermen in the harbour of Gloucester, Massachusetts. The fishermen invented a hat that kept them dry especially when fishing out on the Grand Banks. The name stems from the fact that bad weather across the Grand Banks came from northwest, and to keep their faces dry they had to look southwest.

The Cape Ann sou’wester, c. 1880 (x)

The original sou'wester was made of sailcloth and was painted with yellow linen oil. The hat was cut very long at the neck and lay over the collar to prevent the water from running down the neck. The narrow brim in the front served as a gutter to drain away the water.

An "old salt" from the fishing industry wearing oilskins and a sou’wester (x)

This design was so successful that it spread worldwide and is still worn today. However, today's models are made of PVC lined with fleece and have ear flaps to keep the wearer warm.

[thewondermentofillustration]

Michael Ancher - Portrait of a Fisherman, oil on canvas Michael Peter Ancher (1849 - 1927) was a Danish realist artist. He is famous for his paintings of fishermen, their experiences at sea, and the daily life of their communities. Ancher was born and grew up on the on the island of Bornholm. At the age of 16, he began his apprenticeship as a clerk in Djursland. He drew and painted in his spare time, eventually studying at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. In 1874, Ancher moved to the fishing village of Skagen and joined the small community of Skagen artists. Archer was inspired to paint reality and the natural light and colours that surrounded him. He combined classical compositions with naturalism.

[jusdubs]

Officially here to introduce you to my pretty princess, Sou'wester!!! I love my little, old furbaby 😍

[savvytattoos]

Small paintings made during my artist residency at the Sou'Wester in Washington

[erin-nations]

SOU'WESTER ARTIST RESIDENCY

The Sou'Wester Lodge is located in Seaview, Washington on the Long Beach Peninsula. It's about 15 miles north of Astoria, Oregon. While guests can book a room in the main lodge or dwell in a cabin, the most alluring place to stay is in one of the vintage trailers and airstreams.

Last week I had the pleasure of staying at the Sou'Wester. During my residency, I resided in a vintage trailer for five days and worked on issue four of my comic book series, Gumballs.

Calm and quiet are the best words to describe my time there. It was very peaceful. For the most part, the only sounds I heard came from the podcasts I listened to, the birds chirping outside my window, vinyl records spinning, and two days of solid rain. Overall, it gave me a distraction-free place to work. 

Every day I woke up at 5 AM, made coffee, and began working. By 10 PM, I'd put my pen down, and go to bed.

To break up the monotony and avoid cabin fever, I made a couple trips into Long Beach and walked on the beach.

By the end of my visit, I felt a sense of achievement. I was pleased with my output.

You can read more about my time at the Sou'wester in Gumballs, Issue 4 (Release Date TBA)

[melkagerer]

Standing in the Kitchen While Holding a Beer, Long Beach, Washington

March 2017

[residuetrail]

[thewondermentofillustration]

Michael Ancher - Two Fishermen beside a Boat, 1889, oil on canvas Michael Peter Ancher (1849 - 1927) is a Danish realist artist. He is famous for his paintings of fishermen, their experiences at sea, and the daily life of their communities. Ancher was born and grew up on the on the island of Bornholm. At the age of 16, he began his apprenticeship as a clerk in Djursland. He drew and painted in his spare time, eventually studying at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. In 1874, Ancher moved to the fishing village of Skagen and joined the small community of Skagen artists. Archer was inspired to paint reality and the natural light and colours that surrounded him. He combined classical compositions with naturalism.