The L.J. Kersley Nanette Exhibition, Rose Gallery, Masterworks Foundation.

The Masterworks Foundation has a way of finding unusual artists for their exhibitions. The current show in their Rose Garden Gallery displays the work of just such an artist.

This exhibition features the incredible ship models created by L. J. Kersley Nanette (left). Several are as large as five or six feet in length and must have taken considerable time to make, given the impressive amount of detail displayed. Making these crafts obviously requires much research and knowledge, not to mention skill and patience.

Most of the ships seem to have been made of cedar, although I understand that some other woods are sometimes used as well. Historically speaking, the most prominent ships in this show are the 'Sea Venture', the 'Deliverance' and the 'Victory'. The first two, of course are important in our own, Bermuda history.

In addition to the large models, a number of smaller ships and boats are also displayed. Each model is made to scale, including individual timbers. Bronze canons, made to scale, have been used on notable warships, such as "the Victory." The rigging, pulleys and sails are also carefully reproduced. For those who may be interested, there is supporting documentation as well.

The making of precise models of historic ships is a unique art. Indeed, the criteria usually employed in assessing most work of art, I did not find especially useful. For example, the usual stress on design principles, such as balance, rhythm and colour harmony, additionally, there is the matter of creativity and the element of surprise is not especially applicable to this show. With ships, of course there must be a balance and appropriate distribution of weight. I suppose one could speak about the rhythm of the masts and sails and so on, but that seems "beside the point".

Ship design, which is based on science and necessity has been an ongoing development. As means of propulsion have changed, from sail to steam, diesel and even nuclear fission, so has the shape and appearance of ships changed to conform to new necessities. Ship design is definitely a matter of form following function.

In the making precise, scale models, however, design problems have already been worked out in the original ship. It is here, more a matter of scaling it down and carefully reproducing the original. Essentially, it is a very special craft.

To say the least, this is an impressive show. If you consider skill and beauty in art making important, this is a show you will want to see. I look forward to seeing more of Mr. Nanette's creations, but would especially like to see him take some of Bermuda's famous nineteenth-century sailing ships, such as the 'Cedrene' or the 'Pearl'.

The exhibition continues through August 23, 2007.