SAO The Nereid of "safe" passage, or the rescue of sailors.

Hand carved Limewood. 

The design features a Sailors Fid, a tool used for splicing rope. The moon

 is present in its relation to tides, the understanding of which are essential 

for safe passage.

Artist

Chris Cudlip

Visual Artist Chris Cudlip is a sculptor based in Southampton. As a mature student he completed an MA in 2021 at City & Guild London Art School. His practice involves woodcarving, studio ceramics, brick installations, portrait sculpture, environmental art and interdisciplinary projects. His work can be seen in diverse settings such as parks, housing developments, libraries, schools, youth centres, theatres, universities and hospitals. There is a strong element of outreach in his practice which has led him to work with community groups as well as teaching figurative sculpture for Wimbledon College of Art. 

Recent commissions include a work commemorating Jane Austen and her connection with Southampton installed in the new MAST Building in 2021. In 2022 he was commissioned to create woodcarvings for St Mary the Virgin in Eling. It is Anglo Saxon in origin and one of the oldest churches in England . 

Woodcarving differs from stone carving in that it is using a material that is more prone to movement - both expansion and contraction. Often a larger array of hand tools are employed and attention to the direction of grain is more important.