Recently, I've taken up a new pastime - NKD FISHING! Although this might seem a bit random when added to the eclectic pile of things I already do, there's good reason behind it. I like to create art based on the senses - things I've truly felt and experienced: the tactile sensations, textures, and movement of life!
Ben mentioned that when he was younger, he was constantly out on the Pembrokeshire coast, hanging off a rock or dodging a blowhole while seeking his next catch. His wealth of knowledge about the sea, tides, and seasonal comings and goings surprised and inspired me to learn more.
Fishing is challenging (I'm an awkward sort when it comes to learning new things and am easily put off), but I was reeled in (pardon the pun) by the promise of adventure and stories to tell! We headed to a local angling shop, and as soon as I got there, I already felt part of an enthusiastic and accepting community. As soon as we mentioned where we were headed, the shop owner shared local tide times, likely catches, good spots to fish from, and even lures to tickle the fishy fancies! It was a bit like being in a sweet shop, with all the colorful possibilities tantalizing my imagination.
Time really does fly by! It's so immersive. We have spent hours, even days, at different points on the coast, from Porthcawl to The Gower so far. I've always loved rock pools, and as a child, my grandad and mum would help me identify the strange-looking creatures hiding beneath the tranquil aqua film. My grandad studied botany and biology; his knowledge was vast. All the memories started flooding back when we walked to the waves. The sights and sounds awakened me!
The pools near Porthcawl and towards Kenfig were amazing, sometimes as deep as me! Not the easiest terrain - it felt like an alien planet, its craters carved out by the swelling and powerful tide. Standing at the edge near Sker Point, I was overwhelmed by the power of the sea as it grew in an instant, setting scene after scene worthy of The Turner Prize. There were luminous greens, deep reds, glossy ambers, aquamarine, jelly-like things that wobbled, bubbling rocks, the pops of bladderwrack, and underwater microscopic worlds!
In The Mumbles and The Gower, the beautiful backdrop presented new treasures: steep plateaus leading to hidden coves that made me remember rock-climbing with my dad, smooth pebbles that unveiled veins of fossils, soft sands with jewel-like grains, crystal-clear waters, and views for miles - bountiful inspiration for my sketchbook!
In terms of fishing, so far, I've created a few "bird's nests," crossed Ben's line (faux pas, haha), hooked my finger, lost some pretty lures, and got soaked by the waves. But I've also learned how to tie some cool knots, what a leader line is, how to cast, why you need weights, and lots more besides.
I've chatted with other anglers who've kindly shown me their "gear" (not what you're thinking!) and catch - I saw a Smooth Hound for the first time and lots of dogfish. I can't wait to get out again, whether tiptoeing across barnacle-covered obstacle courses, climbing down cliffs, or on the beachfront! The sea has me hooked! There's so much to learn. The real magic of this new world is the possibility of the unknown. It really puts things in perspective and gives me new motivation to create - so much so that my coffee has gone cold while writing this!
Watch full episodes of NKD FISHING here.