Friday 4 January 2013

Susan Constant

My daughter has spent six of the last twelve months in the US with her American boy friend (he's also her boss!). Besides working hard they visited far and wide: from New York to San Francisco and Washington State to Florida. During which time she flirted with hurricane 'Sandy'.

The most emotional time they had (besides the highly charged 'Liberty Bell' visit) was to Jamestown, Virginia. Louise said she had never felt as close to being an American as she did that day. Carl, who is a 110% all-American, found that he had never felt so British as he did that day, which shocked him.

They were so emotionally moved that I decided to make Jamestown, in general, and Susan Constant, in particular, my next project.

For those that are wondering what all this 'emotion' is about, here's the story:

In 1585, Sir Walter Raleigh  founded a settlement on Roanoke Island in a place he named, Virginia (it's now in North Carolina). In the meantime, England found herself at war (nothing new there then!) with the Spanish. Raleigh who was a bit of a pirate, had also introduced tobacco and potatoes to the 'Old World' from the 'New World'. He became a favourite (some say lover) to Elizabeth 1 and played a major part in sailing to fight the Spanish Armada (think Johnny Depp/ Cap'n Jack).

After the war they returned to the New World do discover that all the settlers on Roanoke had vanished; the mystery remains.  

The Virginia Company was formed in England, and they hired three (small by today's standards) ships, Susan Constant (120 tons) Godspeed (40 tons) and Discovery (20 tons). In December 1606 they set sail for the country of Virginia, with 144 colonists, under the command of Christopher Newport - an excellent seaman, navigator and leader. They landed at Chesapeake Bay 26 April 1607. 

105 colonists from the original 144, all men and boys, were left at the new settlement of Jamestown. The others had either died or wanted to return to England. Among those remaining was John Smith, who was in chains following a 'dispute' on-board!

The ships returned to England in May. Leaving the colonists to get in a mess: 36 of them were 'gentlemen' and the others artisans or servants.  The former refused to do work and argued constantly. John Smith emerged as the leader, but was nearly beaten to death on the command of the powerful 'Indian' chief, Powhattan - only the intervention by the chief's daughter, Pocohantas, saved his life.

Here then is the founding of English-speaking America, thirteen years BEFORE the Mayflower and the Puritan Pilgrim Fathers from Plymouth, Devonshire, England.

It can be seen then, that the little known Susan Constant is one of the most important vessels in modern history,

TECHNOART
For those that don't know me, I am at heart an English Shipwright, (1953 - 1959). For many recent years I have been restricted to building ships on paper only, using technical drawing and then finishing them off artistically (see Bellona). I never showed these drawings as they were for my own amusement. I was persuaded to show them and they are surprisingly popular. I call them techno-art, and it is a challenge, as it uses both sides of my brain at the same time! The beauty is I can draw the ships accurately from any angle or viewpoint I choose.

As there are no original pictures of her, I would have to draw her from the original plans, and in doing I would produce views that are unique ... and that is enough reason, and reward, to draw them!

I have the plans for the Susan Constant and have began work!



I will keep you updated with Work in Progress and information about the colonists!

24 comments:

  1. Looking forward to reading about the progress on this riveting new project, John.

    Susan Constant. Full Ahead !!!

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    1. Thank you, Zephyrinus, it's really good fun doing it, but I need a bit of continuity at the moment. I'm doing a lot of hospital visiting - aged sick relatives! Not a lot of time for my project.

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  2. I am astounded at the beauty in these techno drawings, because they are so 'technical' but also graceful and artistic. I love them. :) And I think that is the best thing I heard all day about your daughter and her boyfriend both feeling so british or american. :)

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  3. Yes it surprised them as they both proud of their nationalities. Glad you like the techonart, I only use it on sailing ships which is why they take so long!

    Loved you boxer-dog painting today!

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  4. Good luck with this techno-drawings...It makes me dizzy just looking at it..LOL you're amazing and so talented! I look forward to the next step!

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    1. Thanks Hilda, it's like most things, it only looks complicated because it is unfamiliar!

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  5. John, I write this with my mouth wide open!! Your talent never ceases to amaze me. Technoart, wow, I must show Mike this post. He has always enjoyed history. Well written post John.

    All the best to you,
    Joan

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    1. Thank you, Joan. I hope Mike finds it interesting although I suspect he will know all about it

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  6. I like the idea of techno-art, using both sides of the brain, John! I love the history behind this drawing and the story of your daughter and her boyfriend! Looking forward to the finished work!

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    1. Yes the techno-art is quite fun, I don't know if others use it. Thanks for the kind comments.

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  7. Amazing bit of history you've shared, John. Thank you! We tend to forget some of what we learned so long ago. I love seeing your ship building drawings.

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    1. I'm not sure what parts of history are taught in the US. It probable that the story is known by everybody over there. I knew about the Mayflower, but nothing before it.

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  8. My goodness! So intricate and detailed! So precise! Just marvelous!
    And what a wonderful story about your Daughter and her boyfriend :0) You must miss her when she's so far away :0)

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    1. She has been back for a month or so, Sandra, but she was missed.

      Glad you like the crazy system I use for 'boat-building' on paper!

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  9. All right, John, so I was only off by 300 years, guessing a China clipper - it's still a ship! :)
    Actually, this project is awesome! I am truly fascinated by your integration of the ship's plans with an artistic view from your imagination. Love the left brain/right brain shift!
    Your historical tidbits about the Chesapeake colony are so interesting.
    Wonderful post, John! Than you!!

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  10. Really glad you found it of interest, Kathryn ... It really is great fun trying to overcome the many challenges my system throws up.

    The clipper wasn't far off bullseye!!

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  11. I love this idea, John - what a creative challenge you have set for yourself - and an historic one to boot! Thank you for taking the time to give us the sense of time and place for the Susan Constant and to see the blue print structure. I will be watching in complete fascination! What a great way to begin the new year!

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  12. What a wonderfully challenging creative project, John. It boggles my mind although I am sure it makes concrete sense in yours! I will be watching the pen and ink building of the Susan Constant with complete fascination! And thank you for setting the time and place and showing us her bone structure! What a way to begin 2013!

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  13. Dear John, for you the three dimensions have no secrets!
    A combination of technique and imagination really fantastic!
    And we look forward to admire the future creations of your brilliant virtuosity!

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  14. Totally fascinating, John.
    Love the history
    Love your drawing
    And will love following the progression .

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  15. Stunning work as always John. I have to admit that I thought it all began with the Mayflower and this chapter of history is completely new to me. Fascinating.

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  16. I studied in American schools but didn't know this story. Thank you for the history lesson:) Buona Epifania from Rome!

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  17. What a great post! A unique and original art pursuit - Bellona is magnificent and I look forward to the progression of this piece. Wasn't it Pocahontas that eventually settled in England? I knew only part off this story - we never heard about the Susan Constant in school on this side of the pond either. Your daughter is having a great experience.

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  18. Thank you Susan, Rita, Julie, John, Carmella and Dan... alas ... the project sank! see next post ... back to the drawing board!

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