Every time I see the sea... by Emma SummersIn July 2005 I travelled with Christian Aid to Nagapatinam in Tamil Nadu, India.  | | Emma Summers |
The trip, organised by Christian Aid, was part of a series of research trips for artists commissioned to make new work for an exhibition to mark the first anniversary of the Tsunami and research stories and events for the exhibition. Two years on from the tsunami the effects of the disaster continue to be felt across SE Asia. In Tamil Nadu alone the human costs of the disaster are estimated at 10,000 people killed by the tsunami and over 2,500 of those were children; the scars are deeply felt by the fishing communities and those who live by and depend on the sea for their livelihood. | "This was my first trip to India and the sights and smells left a lasting impression." | | Emma Summers |
After a ten-hour flight to Madras followed by a seven-hour car journey along the coastal plains of South-East India we finally arrived in Tamil Nadu. Travelling with journalist and guide Anjali Kwatra, I began to visit the worst affected areas of the coastline. Even six months on the visible scars dominate the landscape; discarded boats, destroyed houses and line upon line of temporary shelters are everywhere to be seen. Unforgettable experienceThis was my first trip to India and the sights and smells left a lasting impression.  | | Asian women |
We rose at the crack of dawn to catch the fishermen bringing in their nets; traditional catamarans ladened with fresh fish were constantly unloading on the shore where local fisherwomen waited in eager anticipation of the catch. We were given sweet tea wherever we went and everyone had a story to tell of someone lost in the Tsunami. We visited lots of organisations working to re-build housing, boats and communities. The re-construction of the region is going to take a long time. I was keenly aware of the immense suffering and loss of the communities we visited and yet throughout my time in Tamil Nadu the people we met also seemed strong and hopeful of their future, yet forever mindful of that day marked in all our memories. Exhibition | | Flip-flops in Emma's exhibition |
Every time I see the sea... is a new ceramic installation which focuses on these experiences and attempts to capture the people and the stories encountered there. PhotosSee pictures of Emma's exhibition and her journey to India, looking at the area affected by the Tsunami: Emma Summers is the Artist-in-Residence at Worcester University. | 
