In Conversation with John Scott Martin | RSMA President

In Conversation with John Scott Martin, RSMA President
On the occasion of the 78th Annual Exhibition of the Royal Society of Marine Artists, held at Mall Galleries this September, we have asked John Scott Martin, painter, sailor and President of the art society to answer a few questions.

The RSMA’s annual exhibition gives artists around the world a platform to showcase their work and raise awareness on topics that concern the marine world. This year’s special focus is eco-sailing, a theme that resonates, more than ever, with the growing environmental challenges.

 

John Scott Martin, President of the RSMA at the RSMA Annual Exhibition 2023, Mall Galleries. Photo by Mark Sepple
 

• ​How do you think this more environmentally friendly approach to transporting cargo will have an effect on the marine industry?

The sail cargo companies represented in the RSMA exhibition are a mirror and an inspiration. They connect thousands of years of history to the technological advances of the future and they advocate for the commercial efficacy of sail power. The ships may look traditional but the technology is modern. The sail cargo industry is a nimble business model; it avoids routine queuing at deep ports that besets the large freight ships. It also rejuvenates small ports that were commercially active until recently and it grows local economies.
 

• A number of artists in this year’s exhibition, yourself included, have painted the ‘Grayhound’ - a stunning 5/6th scale replica of a three-masted UK Customs Lugger of the same name built in 1776. Why did you choose this ship as a subject matter and can you talk about the Grayhound’s significance in low-emission transportation?

Grayhound has been active as a cargo ship since 2013, operating mostly cross-channel. Now Grayhound works with New Dawn Traders as part of a chain of ships bringing international goods to smaller coastal towns in the UK.

 

Geoffrey Huband VPRSMA, Grayhound, 31 x 41 cm | BUY NOW
 

Grayhound loaded a cargo of coffee, almonds, sea salt and wine from Portugal at the Barbican in Plymouth. She (the boat) arrived at her first port of call Falmouth. Grayhound made delivery of her to ‘New Dawn Traders’ (NDT) that has a pioneering role at the forefront of eco-trading in the UK.
It was a great privilege to meet both the ship and her young crew and learn about her present inspirational mission to highlight the possibility of a more eco friendly way of trading by sea. As a consequence of this encounter, sketches and paintings were produced, which may in some way promote the venture.

 

 John Scott Martin RBA PPRBSA PRSMA, There's Cargo for Grayhound, 25 x 25 cm | BUY NOW

 

• From a creative standpoint, this resurgence of sailboats serves as excellent artistic inspiration. They are incredibly beautiful ships - can you talk about your enjoyment of artistically capturing larger sailing vessels?

Thames Barges, once a major part of the delivery of cargoes around the South East coasts of England, have inspired RSMA artists since the foundation of the Society. Many are still sailing from our harbours and of course some are now engaged in sail trading again. The large brown sails always excite artists to produce wonderful images. Thames Barges during the summer are engaged in races, historically called ‘matches’. These are visually appealing, as the barges are often sailing in close company.
 

• Are there any other artists featured in the exhibition whose work you feel really captures the beauty of larger sailing vessels, or who are looking at this more sustainable approach to shipping in their work?

Geoff Hunt with his dramatic depictions of Royal Navy ships both past and present are always accurately depicted. Mark Myers and Geoffrey Huband’s images of Britain’s historical shipping are again superb.

 

Geoff Hunt PPRSMA, ...to save as many people as we could..." HMS Torbay rescuing survivors of the French Thesée, Quiberon Bay, 20 November 1759, 53 x 76 cm | BUY NOW
 

• Why is it important for the RSMA to start the conversation about eco-friendly shipping & include it in this year's exhibition?

All things maritime excite the members of the RSMA. This venture of course has a great romantic quality as well as promoting a message that has a meaning for us all and not merely a small number of enthusiasts who love all aspects of the sea and all associated subjects.

Eco trading in all forms will affect everyone of us as the urgency of climate change becomes evermore apparent. The role of the RSMA as a registered charity is to inform and educate, clearly this is an area where promotion is relevant today and in the future.

Sail trading is a new concept to us at the RSMA, but we are sure as years go by this environmentally friendly approach to the movement of goods will grow and grow. For us, at the RSMA, this year is just the beginning and we hope that this exhibition will inspire artists to create many more works depicting wind powered sail cargo in the future!
 

• What subjects, other than the fascinating eco-friendly shipping theme, can the visitors expect to discover in this year's exhibition?

As always in our annual exhibition the fishing industry is represented in a number of paintings. Once again marine inspired sculptures add three dimensions to our exhibition. We inhabit an island and as such our artists are never far from the coast. So, images showing the delight of children enjoying the seaside are popular. However, our beaches are at risk of pollution. We might draw your attention to a new work by Martin Swan, ‘A Suffolk Coast’, a collaborative work with Paul Woods. It’s a painting of a beach with elements of collected discarded litter added.

 

 

Martin Swan RSMA, A Suffolk Coast (A collaborative work with artist Paul Woods) | Award Winner, 40 x 50 cm | BUY NOW

 

• ​What would you say to encourage a lover or collector of art to visit the exhibition?

Remember, you don’t have to live by the sea to enjoy marine art and to those who have an appreciation of marine art, our annual exhibition is the very place to see it at its best. The tradition of marine painting includes many of the greatest names in British art. Amongst the artists represented here, some may in the future be nationally important.

 

• Do you have to be an expert in Marine Art to enjoy the RSMA Exhibition?

The sea is never far away from us. Just think that instead of driving to a sea view carpark to sit looking at the ocean, you can buy a painting and enjoy it through the winter without leaving your home!

 

Annual Exhibition 2023, Open at Mall Galleries: 21 September to 30 September 2023 | Daily 10am to 5pm | BROWSE ONLINE