On the Brink Drawing

Roger Adamson explores the tension between transformation and timelessness, trade and nature, acknowledging both the intrinsic liminality of seas and rivers, and the threshold where a line between old and new is being drawn. Documenting today’s marine industry as it undergoes a shift every bit as epochal as that from sail to steam, Adamson’s lines capture and echo the myriad boundaries between old and new confronting seafarers, ships, vessels, wildlife and people around the world, now and through time. Like the sea, permanent pen and ink is an unforgiving medium that leaves an artist nowhere to hide, demanding discipline, precision and control in order to convey its loose, vital dynamism. Continually refining his practice Adamson seeks to master the challenge as he chronicles, juxtaposes and distils the emerging needs and the eternal truths of both ocean and unseen industry he loves. They that go down to the sea in ships; That do business in great waters; These see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep.