Trevor Price | I'd Swim an Ocean to Find You

Our first weekend in St. Ives was spent discovering the many hidden alleys and cobbled streets of 'downalong', the oldest part of the town. It was uncharacteristically stormy for late September. The small fishing boats in the harbour, usually protected, were being thrown around in the chop. But amongst this to our amazement children were preparing to swim. On closer investigation we realised they were youngsters from the local surf lifesaving club, wet-suited up and ready to race. We watched in astonishment as a group of eight years olds lined up. Seemingly unperturbed by the conditions, at the sound of a whistle they leapt into the water and swam out to a distant buoy, circling it before turning back to awaiting nervous parents and an applauding crowd. I looked down at my daughter and jokingly suggested she should join in. 'No thanks Dad' came the reply. Seven years on and we have become part of this surf life saving community. I now find myself as a qualified beach lifeguard, regularly training with the club masters. My daughter trains with the junior squad and thinks nothing of a 2km sea swim. 

My acquired knowledge of rip currents, dumping waves, a cold sea, and all the time spent floating around with new found friends inevitably rippled out to influence my working day. Surf lifesaving and my art have collided. This exhibition is evidence of the collision. I'd swim an ocean to find you.

- Trevor Price, 2023