AN ATTRACTION TO BLUE SPACES—

Inspired by time spent near the water, COAST is a series I began out of an urgency for balance in my own life. Being by the coast, the air, the weather, the history of place, and the heightening of senses bring balance and energy to me, a constant since childhood. I always found that being at our Cape house brought me so much happiness and balance. I hope my paintings bring memories to viewers of precious time at the coast. My art comes from my subconscious. Through art, the wild, untamed parts of humans can find a root and grow to the surface. We seek ways to let internal feelings free and working on this collection is the unfurling of my attraction to blue spaces.

In challenge or celebration, I am constantly drawn to the water’s edge like a magnet, seeking solitude, beauty and energy. I am so connected to the ocean, natural spaces and salty atmosphere. Coupled with the visual audacity of the landscapes of the Cape in Massachusetts and what I have seen of the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, there is a constant yearning to be near blue water. There is science connected to the brain’s recognition of color for humans and animals. Reflected wavelengths of color hit us like a drug. Colorful water is probably as close as humans can get to seeing ultraviolet light. Humans need water and are drawn to it for survival and so pervasive is our love for it. According to Wallace Nichols in his book Blue Minds, being near water “improves performance, increases calm, diminishes anxiety, and increases professional success”.

To the contrary, deep oceans also bring respect, apprehension and sometimes fear. Perhaps it is the contrast that deepens my attraction. Respecting this great unknown is always a priority when I look out onto that horizon. Unplugging and reconnecting with myself by the water is truly what leads me. It is spiritual for me.

A CALL TO ACTION—

My intention is that COAST SERIES inspires more people to think and act in positive ways to preserve our waters. Our world and our weather is changing rapidly with global warming. Each year the visible differences cause anxiety and panic in me. Urgently, conservation and preservation need to be at the forefront of our minds. Personally, I have seen in just a few years how coral reefs are dying at extreme rates and it feels like the powers of the world are not acting in haste. I hope friends, family and strangers who see my work are prompted to remember valuable time at the coast and act in some way to help preserve our planet.

INSPIRATION…