The Rogue's Yarn

Jane James

The rogue's yarn was the name given to the coloured strand laid up in ropes. Originally used to mark naval rope, it was a deterrent to theft. Rope of naval manufacture was generally considered to be superior, thus making it a desirable object to smuggle from dockyards and sell to merchant ships. Latterly it has been used to identify the type of rope, and its place of manufacture. These studies of knots and rope are conceived as visual narrative, or yarn. The rope threads its way across the works, weaving in and out of the picture plane. The rogue’s yarn follows the twists and turns. I am an incorrigible storyteller. This tale has several possible endings, and may be told in any way, long or short, and take any direction the audience desires.

I grew up knowing the uses and importance of rope, it is such a ubiquitous item aboard a vessel. I was drilled in knottying and usage from an early age too, so it is something that has always been a part of my life. 

It has become a motif that has run through almost all of my work.

Rope forms such a useful compositional element. In marine art it communicates much about atmospheric conditions, and understanding the principle of a catenary is vital in depicting it.

Outside of that genre, it conveys direction, tension, can bind or support. Knots possess an entire lexicon of symbolism on their own.