This was a lovely artwork to create from start to finish, which meant I was particularly surprised by the sudden wave of grief I had when I came to write the poetry.
Far back in my childhood we lived right by the sea. My dad, an ex-sailor, swam every morning. I remember the brilliant smile on his face as he splashed along the water's edge before disappearing majestically into the waves. I don't think he was ever happier than then.
In making this artwork, I felt I was painting a place where I could go, to wait for my father to give up the sea and come home.
Sometimes the memory of you
takes me unawares.
Just when I think you are gone,
there you are
whispering in summer grasses.
"Gone to Sea"
Acrylic/Oil pastels
4.5" x 4.5"
Original