I am the sea (Is mise an fharraige)

This oil painting was part of a series exploring the beauty and wildness of the Irish coastline in Donegal. It has a soft yet elemental energy with my usual mark making and scores through the layers of paint to uncover the colour and movement beneath.

I had always been afraid of water. I didn’t like it on my face and would often react with shortness of breath and a sense of panic.

Since Covid and the lockdowns I’m very glad to say that I rediscovered a sense of myself through dipping and later swimming in the sea, with help and encouragement from my good friend (and an excellent musician), Siobhan.

That sense of freedom began to translate through my paintings and I watched my sensitivity to movement and gesture while painting, develop and mature.

I came across this beautiful and moving poem by Indian poet Sapna Goel, which I would like to share with you…

I am the sea

Everyday millions of people come to me
Some to laze
Some to gaze into my seamless horizon
Some to admire my varied shades of Blue
Some to soak their tired feet in my refreshing saltiness
Some to drown away their overbearing sadness
Some to forget a bad memory
Others to relive good ones.

To some, I am a distance that separates
To others a means of reaching their loved ones
In my fold live millions of creatures, Colours..LIFE..
I hide treasures yet undiscovered, possibilities infinite!
I am a means of livelihood, a giver, a bestow-er, a leaser of Life
And also.. a taker, an angry monster, a destroyer, cause-r of strife...

Like unending glass…I reflect
I am a mood changer...
I absorb what you feel...
With my soothing murmurs
I ease all your pain..
Take in your sorrows, your joys, your hurts and tears..

But do you ever wonder where I go to weep?
Where do, my treasures, I keep?
To who I turn when I need release?
Ever wondered if there is someone I lost?
Something I seek?
That I may have my own secrets to keep.

Sapna Goel

• Original Donegal seascape landscape painting
• Péinteáil Tírdhreach muirdhreacha Dhún na nGall
• Original artwork
• Oil on paper board.
• Painting size 19.5 x 19.5 cm
• Framed size (approx.) 37 x 37 x 3 cm
• Grey wooden frame, off white mount (with glass)
• Price includes frame