Ebb and Flow. . .

Ebb and Flow (Kenai Drift Boat)  .  24" x 36"  .  oil on canvas

This painting was completed last week - it's ready to hang, as it has the 1.5" canvas covered edge/surround that I painted in semblance to a continuation of the scene.  I often see work that has the surround edge painted black, and speaking personally, that just doesn't work for me.  It seems too jarring, so I prefer to paint the continuing edge as if it were part of the painting -viewed from the side it looks more natural to me.  I call this size a "fireplace" painting - yep, that means exactly what it says - it's a natural for hanging over a mantle then letting the dreaming commence! 

 

The ebb and flow title came to me as I was reflecting on this past week and the myriad changes people in my particular orbit are experiencing. After a cold winter people have crawled out to address the natural, ever-changing happenings of life and living.  A marital separation for one filled with more questions than answers;  for another, a closing up of a beloved home that's filled with the echo of warm memories and the trappings thereof.  Downsizing is now on the menu and something we all face at one time or another.  Letting go.  Locally, here in Winston Salem, the expected, but not-that-day, passing of Maya Angelou.  Other friends getting news of the sudden loss of a long-time friend.  Such is life, isn't it?  Often painful, often joyous.  Pete Seeger's lyrics to Turn Turn Turn come to mind. 

 

*While on the other hand we now have celebratory graduations filled with promise and the reward of hard work; the renewal of thickly leaved trees and the heavenly scent of flowering plants floating by on the wind; the unfurling of caladium leaves sheltering the re-appearing, dancing chipmunks; bird song announcing it's 5:30 AM; our neighbors out for walks, bike rides puncuated by happy-greeting-chatter when faces are recognized.*  

 

Nature is a very large room in our hearts and souls.  Perhaps the "living room," while the "kitchen" is where love resides - for love requires work and attention, doesn't it (?) while still providing the familiar soft place we all need.  

 

Ebb and Flow - you'll see a faint rendering of the high tide line - signifying the sureness of the tide rising again,  while the drift boat says I will float over it all.