Mailboats - Shetland

This page was last updated on the 2nd of September 2008. For all the latest pictures and scribblings, use this link to View the Creative Process.

James Sinclair - Poet

Photo of James Sinclair

James Sinclair was born in Lerwick in 1961 and has lived and worked there ever since. He works as a storeman in an engineering/fabrication company. James only began writing poetry in his forties and had his first pamphlet of poems Gulf Stream Blues published through North Idea in 2007. James is also a trustee of Shetland Arts and has recently joined the editorial committee of the New Shetlander.

Roxane Permar - Artist

Photo of Roxanne Permar

"I work in response to issues of location, history and community, using a variety of processes and media, including sculpture, film, sound and social exchange to realise projects, live events and installations. Audience participation, consultation and collaboration underpin my practice. On clear days I can see the island of Foula from the island where I live, but I have never been there. Sometimes it is shrouded in mist, while at others it is invisible. The mystery of Foula in relation to elements of Shetland’s maritime culture colour my impressions of the mail boat. I welcome the opportunity to work in collaboration with the writer, James Sinclair, and in relation to colleagues from both Orkney and Shetland."

View the Creative Process

2nd September 2008 - Roxane

Kyle Brooke-Freeman found one of Roxane Permar's Mailboat messages.

View a picture of the 'Work in Progress'

13th August 2008 - Roxane

Luis Strachan (age 6) found eight of Roxane Permar's Mailboat messages at the remote Birrier Cove between Aywick and Vatster, Yell, Shetland. His is the first sighting! Roxane is as delighted as Luis and his young brother Ethan (age 4) who shared the find.

View a picture of the 'Work in Progress'

9th August 2008 - James

Weel bairns, fur sikkin a fine day fur wir launch, hey you a look.

View a picture of the 'Work in Progress' View a picture of the 'Work in Progress' View a picture of the 'Work in Progress' View a picture of the 'Work in Progress'

11th May 2008 - Roxane

I have a few more drawings and photomontages from the work towards our boat

View a picture of the 'Work in Progress' View a picture of the 'Work in Progress' View a picture of the 'Work in Progress' View a picture of the 'Work in Progress' View a picture of the 'Work in Progress' View a picture of the 'Work in Progress' View a picture of the 'Work in Progress'

21st April 2008 - James

Here is the stuff I've written so far for the project, see what you think.

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE by James Sinclair

YARNIN by James Sinclair

OCEANIC by James Sinclair

Mailboat Haiku by James Sinclair