Ultima Thule: Lucy Woodley

‘Ultima Thule’ is a body of work by Lucy Woodley, a mixed-media sculptor from the Scottish Highlands. Woodley employs recurring motifs to explore themes related to Migration, encouraging empathy for migrants through story-telling. 

Significance is placed on the boat, representing a vessel for journeying between known and unknown territories. Often abandoned, deserted and empty, these boats lie in memory of lost travellers. When elevated, they become objects of reverence and symbols of hope. When surrounded by gold, they appear to be held safely.

Surrounding said boats, fish and blackbirds provide layers of context to the scenes. Fish, ancient symbols of faith. And blackbirds, the ever ominous onlookers observing the displaced. 

Through exquisite crafting, Woodley evokes trepidation, humanity and place. Her work tells a timeless tale of departure from War and Persecution.