SHIPS OF THE SEA MARITIME MUSEUM
WILLIAM SCARBROUGH HOUSE AND GARDENS
SUPPER AT SEA - ABAGAIL TANKERSLEY
Artist Biography
Abigail Tankersley is a fibers artist based in Savannah, GA, holding a B.F.A. in Fibers from the Savannah College of Art & Design. Her work combines playful colors, textures, and patterns that evoke feelings of childlike joy, while incorporating elements of scale and form that challenge viewers to confront discomfort and visceral reactions. By blending materials and craft processes, she creates immersive visuals that explore a spectrum of emotions, capturing themes of confusion, excitement, mystery, and meaning.
Tankersley works as a studio assistant for local artists Katherine Sandoz, Trish Andersen, and Michael Porten, and is also gaining experience as an educator, substitute teaching for Chatham County public schools. Her first solo show, “Even A Worm Will Turn” at RO3 Gallery in Savannah, GA followed her residency as a SCAD Alumni Atelier Ambassador in April 2023. She has also exhibited in shows such as “Beyond Sight” at the Savannah Cultural Arts Center (Savannah, GA, 2023,) “Welcome To Our Haus” at Bobblehaus (Manhattan, NY, 2023,) and “Un-Script-It” at Kunstraum LLC (Brooklyn, NY, 2022.)
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(THE DIOSCURI)
CASTOR
(THE DIOSCURI)
POLLUX
WINDLESS DAY
SEVEN SISTERS
(The Dioscuri)
Castor
Tower made of tissue welt cord and wool yarn
Measures 43" x 23V"
(The Dioscuri) Castor & Pollux
These two coiled tissue welt cord sculptures, “Castor and Pollux,” draw inspiration from the
Greek mythological twins, the Dioscuri, and their association with the stars, constellations, and
maritime history. Castor and Pollux were known for their bravery, especially in sailing and
navigating the seas, symbolizing protection for sailors as they traveled through dangerous waters.
These sculptures embody their bond, reflected
through the intertwined cords, representing the celestial connection between the two as stars within
the Gemini constellation.
Castor, the mortal twin, is represented by a shorter sculpture. His fate, unlike his brother Pollux,
was sealed with death, as his shorter form symbolizes the fragility of life and the limits of existing as human.
In contrast, Pollux is depicted in a taller sculpture, reflecting his immortality after he was granted eternal life by his father, Zeus. Their differences serve as a metaphor for the duality of their existence, while both remain wrapped in the narrative of protection and the
stars that guide sailors.
(The Dioscuri)
Pollux
Tower made of tissue welt cord and wool yarn
Measures 80" x 21V"
(The Dioscuri) Castor & Pollux
These two coiled tissue welt cord sculptures, “Castor and Pollux,” draw inspiration from the
Greek mythological twins, the Dioscuri, and their association with the stars, constellations, and
maritime history. Castor and Pollux were known for their bravery, especially in sailing and
navigating the seas, symbolizing protection for sailors as they traveled through dangerous waters.
These sculptures embody their bond, reflected
through the intertwined cords, representing the celestial connection between the two as stars within
the Gemini constellation.
Castor, the mortal twin, is represented by a shorter sculpture. His fate, unlike his brother Pollux,
was sealed with death, as his shorter form symbolizes the fragility of life and the limits of existing as human.
In contrast, Pollux is depicted in a taller sculpture, reflecting his immortality after he was granted eternal life by his father, Zeus. Their differences serve as a metaphor for the duality of their existence, while both remain wrapped in the narrative of protection and the
stars that guide sailors.
Windless Day
Nylon strands unraveled from interior of pre-owned marine rope
Measures 44" x 20"
"Windless Day" is a macrame tapestry made from deconstructed marine rope generously donated by longtime Savannah shrimper James “Frank” Dubberly just before he passed in September of 2024. The work features a grid of alternating knots, using a decorative variation of the Carrick Bend—a knot historically significant in maritime culture. This knot, often associated with the strength and resilience of sailors, is reimagined here with two extra vertical cords threaded through the structure, adding complexity and texture.
The soft, shiny, synthetic nylon fibers used in this piece were revealed as the rope was unraveled. The Carrick Bend, a symbol of secure connection and durability, serves as representation for the challenges sailors faced in the endless expanse of the sea, where time moved slowly and the isolation often led to a deep sense of boredom and restlessness.
Historically, macrame itself has been a pastime for sailors during long voyages, offering an escape from the monotony of life at sea. The repetitive nature of knotting provided a mental distraction, much like other hobbies such as wood carving, painting, or scrimshaw. These activities served not only to pass time but also to preserve sanity, creating small moments of focus and accomplishment amid an otherwise unchanging and often dull environment.
In today’s world, constant overstimulation stands in contrast to the noiselessness sailors once faced. While creating this piece, I reflected on how my own life tends to be extremely stimulating, yet still, I often struggle with feelings of listlessness and boredom. "Windless Day" explores this parallel by offering a space for reflection on the stillness and quiet that can often feel just as overwhelming as the noise of modern life.
This piece invites viewers to reflect on the struggle to find meaning in moments of inactivity, whether in the stillness of a windless sea or in the intensity of the world we navigate today.
Seven Sisters
Repurposed maritime rope
Measurements:
1/7: 144x12”
2/7: 144x14”
3/7: 144x14”
4/7: 84x16”
5/7: 84x16”
6/7: 62x12”
7/7: 62x12”
“Seven Sisters” is comprised of multiple strands of Josephine knots crafted out of maritime rope generously donated by longtime Savannah shrimper James “Frank” Dubberly just before he passed in September of 2024. “Seven Sisters” is a star cluster otherwise known as Pliaedes, with its name deriving from the greek word plein, meaning “to sail.”
The Carrick Bend, often associated with sailing and maritime history, symbolizes strength, connection, and resilience with its elegant design and practical use as a secure joining knot. When variations are used for decorative purposes, such as the Josephine knot in macrame, or the Double Coin knot in Chinese knotting, they are known to represent wealth, prosperity, and a long, successful life.
“Seven Sisters” centers on strength, connection, resilience, and prosperity. The work reflects the city’s long-time maritime heritage while also resonating with broader themes of unity and longevity. The Josephine knot underlines the practical and symbolic importance of binding and strengthening connections, whether between people, cultures, or communities.
This work pays homage to the local history of shipbuilding, trade, and the waterfront economy. The theme is respectful to the city’s historical socio-cultural context by mirroring the interconnectedness of Savannah’s community, one that has weathered challenges, celebrated successes, and that continues to grow over time.
In addition, the theme of connection is both literal and metaphorical, reflecting the ways in which diverse communities in Savannah have come together over centuries, creating a unique, resilient city.
The materials themselves have been used on our waterways by one of best known shrimpers, Frank Dubberly and his family business, Dubberly’s Seafood. We honor his tools by reusing them, by giving the ropes an additional “life”.
This project was made possible by Judge Realty, as they celebrate their 20th year in business by supporting the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum 2024-2025 Fibers Residency. Lori Judge of Judge Realty has been a studied and consistent art collector and supporter of public art in Savannah.
