The inspiration behind this bonnet came from reading The Wager, by David Grann (2023). I felt deep sympathy for the women and wives impacted by this event and many other naval explorations. I knew I wanted to make a linen bonnet in an attempt to give identity to these lives we know so little about. The decision to hand-press a print onto the linen references that many of the men were forced onto this voyage through Press Gangs and violence. The use of black ink connects to the name given to many seafaring men, ‘Tar.’ A passing ship with sun and moon on either side of the bonnet’s brim indicates the passing of time, and no home in sight. The ship remains a silhouette to depict hope and faith, but no factual knowledge. And the infinity of waves that circle the bonnet’s crown represent the constant never knowing, worrying, and rocky lives these women must have faced, day in, and day out.

Note: Entries have been not been edited or proofread to protect the integrity of the maker's original meaning.