I first published these words in a newsletter to my patrons this morning but I feel it’s important that everybody who has an interest in The Lifeboat Station Project is aware of the current situation.
Please scroll down to read on…
Ways to support the project:
BECOME A SUPPORTERTHE LSP SOCIETY
I wrote a post in our app a couple of weeks ago opening up to the fact that I’m not very well in my head and my heart at the moment.
Many of you have kindly got in touch to ask how I’m doing and I’m afraid that I’m still not doing so well. This is proving to be another tricky time after a very challenging couple of years and I just haven’t been up to writing or talking about it in more detail.
However, it’s high time to drop you a line with a few more words on the matter…
After keeping The LSP alive for two years during the pandemic, we now find ourselves in an unfolding economic crisis. I’m finding it impossible to generate new income that keeps pace with spiralling costs.
Despite best efforts, not least creating an incredible foundation of support over recent years, I’ve had to pause my travels because making new work on the project has become financially unsustainable.
The most obvious cost is fuel but there are many others too, including:
- Studio rent (increased by 9% earlier this year)
- Studio energy bills (doubled this year)
- Conservation materials (nearly doubled since Brexit)
- Chemicals (up around 30% since Brexit as well as looming supply issues)
- Accommodation (Covid considerations mean I’m no longer able to stay with lifeboat families on the coast)
Of course, I’m also contending with spiralling domestic costs from our mortgage to energy and food. You undoubtedly know the score on that front.
As a further consideration, had I gone ahead as planned this month, much of the journey would have been unworkable due to the elevated and sometimes extreme heat.
Not only is high heat the enemy of wet collodion (the photographic process I use) but it makes things uncomfortable for lifeboat crews being photographed in their personal protective equipment.
This latest pause has been a very sad and tough call to make but please know that I’m not quitting.
It’s been particularly tough in the wake of the enormous effort and resources I ploughed into Mission 21 during March and April.
That was my first time on the coast with the project in over two years. I more than picked up from where I left off in March 2020 but even that wasn’t enough to put things back on an even keel.
If you’d like a reminder of so much that was great about that mission — and the project — remember to have a read/listen to the words/recordings in the members’ blog post I published last month.
Furthermore, here’s a gentle reminder of the wonderful film Sean Tucker made too:
There will be ways round this and I need to take the time to work it all out in this rapidly shifting economic landscape.
I’m immensely proud of what I’ve created so far and how I’ve been able to independently fund it for so long.
Back in 2019, I’d truly found the sweet spot within the framework of the life we once knew. It was a truly vintage year and proved that it could all work but, my goodness, how things have changed since then.
You might have thoughts and suggestions for me but I’m sure you’ll be aware that I’ve thought of (and tried) just about everything over the last 8 years.
Corporate sponsorship and Arts Council funding are common suggestions. These are both options that I’ve repeatedly looked into over the years and I have strong, clear opinions about why they are not aligned to the ethos and endeavour of The Lifeboat Station Project.
With two thirds of the project completed, I feel it’s now my duty — both to me and my loved ones — to generate sound longterm financial security for the project and my livelihood within this extremely challenging economic arena.
I feel my best chance is to realise the value of the vast archive I’ve already made. My initial thoughts and plans relating to that are now underway.
I’ve also been in discussions with the RNLI who are fully informed of the situation and are considering ways in which they might be able to help too.
This will all take time and there don’t seem to be any quick solutions.
As always, I thank you for your support and for sticking by me. I’ve been truly moved by your recent messages and hope you’ll feel able to continue sticking by me while I work this all out.
Amidst all this, I’ll do my very best to continue sharing stories from the journey. I also have two talks coming up this week and I’m looking forward to sharing the magic of The LSP with new audiences.
That’s all for now. I’ll look forward to your comments wherever they may land.
Keep on keepin’ on,
Jack
//
Jack Lowe
Creator of The Lifeboat Station Project
This picture: Kayak selfie on 3rd July — thank goodness for the great outdoors!
Top picture: Hayling Island on 12th January 2016, the 1st anniversary of The LSP.
(photograph by friend, patron and stalwart LSP assistant, Ian ‘Hen’ Henderson)
Ways to support the project:
BECOME A SUPPORTERTHE LSP SOCIETY
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7. Finally, if you have any questions about my work, please feel free to contact me.
Evening Jack, really sorry to read this update but your honest words will touch a nerve no doubt with us all and a chance to reflect on how this affects you and the family which I’m sorry to say I didn’t appreciate how much things had changed
Small as my monthly contribution is it’ll keep coming until you tell me otherwise
As always I have 100% faith in you and this amazing project and I’ll await further news and wish you well mentally and physically in the meantime
Take care
Benn
Thank you very much (as always) for your kind words, ongoing support and encouragement, Benn.
Jack.
Have been with you since I discovered, will be with you all the way,
no matter how long it takes. A monumental undertaking of a project
that has already become a legacy of work that will not be mastered.
That positive move forward, no matter how small, is still a positive move.
MTx
Thank you very much, Mark. An honour to have you aboard.
Hi, I found this after seeing your post about losing your friend, I was sorry about that. I live in Harwich, on the Essex coast, where the lifeboat station is vital to the safety of leisure sailors, fishermen and swimmers here. I will follow this project, and hope somehow you can find your way back to it, but with enjoyment in your heart, not feeling like it’s a heavy load. Maybe what you have already achieved is actually enough.. good luck Maureen
Thank you very much for your kind words, Maureen. I had a memorable time with Harwich lifeboat station in 2015. Have a search for ‘Harwich’ in the side drawer menu and you should find one or two things about it. Best wishes and thanks again, Jack
Jack, just come across this post, can’t believe its from July… i’ve had my head in the sand clearly! Hope you’re doing ok, it’s been a bit of a crappy time for a lot of people lately, I could quite happily forget 2022. It seems since the great 2020, each subsequent year seems to kick us in the teeth from another angle! Just wanted to give my thumbs up and give you a virtual pat on the back and cheer on.
Thank you, Mat…very much appreciated and right back atcha!
Looking forward to getting involved when you make it to Redcar!
Looking forward to it too, Laura…keep your fingers crossed!