Charon’s Boat

In Greek mythology, Charon is the ferryman of Hades who carries souls of the newly deceased across the rivers Styx and Acheron that divided the world of the living from the world of the dead. The passengers on this trip are ash trees.

This work was inspired by the threat to the majestic ash tree, which was in danger of extinction in Britain. Ash Dieback has caused widespread damage to ash populations across continental Europe.

The work depicts 15 ash trees made from stoneware clay decorated with porcelain slip and oxides, mounted on a hull made from ancient oak recovered during the renovation of a Victorian house.

Dimensions L 80cm, W 7cm , H 47cm