Friday, April 15, 2011

The Ocean as Fleeting Artist

 Photo of line and mark on the beach
How many are your works O LORD
Psalm 104:24

This month I was given a Personal Art Retreat at a friend's condo just yards from the beach.  This often is an annual gift which I am most grateful for.  Previous visits have uncovered some discoveries about the language of the sea and shells (see previous posts) and this year I discovered the ocean as artist. 

One of my  favorite activities is to take long walks along the beach.  Breathing the ocean salt-air clears my head and brings clarity to my thoughts as well as opens up all kinds of creative thinking.  So, when I began to discover patterns, lines and textures on the sand, I was overcome with excitement at what I found! I started taking photos of these "paintings" and now have a whole file of ideas that could become inspirations for future paintings about the sands of the seashore.

 Photo of line and mark on the beach
A remarkable thing happened as I photographed some of these patterns and designs which made me aware of the fleeting work of the ocean as artist.  As soon as I clicked the shutter on the above design, the surf came ashore and wiped away these marks.  So I feel I have an original, never to be created the same again.  How special is that?!

 Photo of design on the beach
"snakeskin"
The above pattern looked like a snake had lost it's skin and left it to dry in the sun, all stretched and flat and ready to be framed.  Remarkable!  I have many others, but these will give you an idea of what can be discovered when I take time to see and observe the environment around me. 





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15 comments:

  1. michelle thomasApril 15, 2011 at 7:13 PM

    so beautiful, very inspiring :)

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  2. phyllis thomasApril 15, 2011 at 7:30 PM

    thanks Michelle. I know you also see these amazing gifts! I love being an artist! :)

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  3. AnonymousApril 15, 2011 at 7:42 PM

    This is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing. I love being and artist too Phyllis! Miss you <3

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  4. phyllis thomasApril 16, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    thanks, Krystal!

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  5. Beverley RogersApril 16, 2011 at 7:48 PM

    Amazing! So glad you have this time to reflect. I am always blessed to see thing through your "artist's eye". :)

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  6. phyllis thomasApril 17, 2011 at 5:26 PM

    Thanks, Beverley for visiting and for your encouragement! There are always surprises to discover along the way in life. :)

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  7. AnonymousApril 19, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    Ah, Phyllis, it's just as you described it, sand art made by the Creator-Artist. Thank you for going to the beach, noticing, recording and sharing these marvelous designs with your readers.

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  8. phyllis thomasApril 19, 2011 at 3:34 PM

    Thanks for taking time to visit, Sandra. Appreciate your encouragement!

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  9. Robin PedreroApril 21, 2011 at 5:26 AM

    Beautiful!

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  10. phyllis thomasApril 21, 2011 at 7:25 AM

    Thanks, Robin for visiting. Isn't it wonderful to make discoveries in God's creation? You do it all the time!

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  11. SandiApril 21, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    I so like your work and learned it from Robin
    It is beautiful!

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  12. phyllis thomasApril 21, 2011 at 3:38 PM

    Thanks Sandi for your encouragement. I'm so glad you visited on Robin's recommendation!

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  13. Beth WolfJuly 12, 2011 at 3:10 PM

    Your "one of a kind" fascinating ocean sand patterns are truly inspiring! The "one of a kind" comment reminds me of this verse (from the Message) John 1:14 "The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish."

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    Replies
    1. phyllis thomasFebruary 19, 2012 at 7:45 PM

      thanks, Beth. I love this scripture. thanks for sharing!

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    2. phyllis thomasFebruary 19, 2012 at 7:45 PM

      thanks, Beth. I love this scripture. thanks for sharing!

      Delete

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