In the last of this 4-part series, I stopped some anglers who were on their way to a high rocky outcrop. While I asked questions of one guy, his friends cast some lines into the rushing surf, prior to climbing to their favourite rock. How lonely it must be sitting there on the cold rocks! One needs such patience! Somewhere I read that God would not detract from a person's years on earth the time he spent fishing!
The main aim of these men were to catch fish for the pot. I wish I can visit one of these homes to see the wonderful local recipes being created in the West Coast kitchens. The fish found here, close to Kabeljoubank are Cape Salmon (Geelbek), Yellowtail (Geelstert), Kabeljou (Cob) and the evasive and protected National fish of South Africa, called Galjoen. "What if there are no bites?" we asked. The old man laughed: " Then we must buy some Snoek!" he said. Yup, that will surely be better than arriving home with no fish at all to the wife waiting and ready with onions and skillet!
What I enjoyed about this painting was the pattern of vertical lines! Vertical lines are a symbol of masculinity(like soldiers with swords, like trees in a forest) I had to paint these lines freehand and had one chance to do them, they are shaky and so they will remain. Today, I am also showing the complete set which now resides in a city far from here.
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A complete beautiful grouping, Marie. I find this series quite poignant, attesting to both the culture in this part of the world and the lives lived in those who make their livings from the sea. The ocean surf behind the fishermen is mesmerizing to me. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great series and will look wonderful in their new home. These pictures have certainly captured this way of life on the west coast. I think sitting on those rocks watching that beautiful surf roll in would be a nice way to spend a day (maybe not everyday :))
ReplyDeleteI like the composition of this one, and I can almost feel the salt water spray! What size are they? You asked me a question about the size of my paintings, and I am doing a few smaller ones these days...a break from the larger ones for a little while.
Sherry, you write so beautifully, I love the way you really look at the art!Yes, I was pleased that the faces could be positioned on the surf line, to lift them out!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Catherine! I have done this theme so completely now that I am searching for very different sights at the moment, thus there will be something white and bright coming up! The new size you worked in surprised me(6x6) that was why I asked. That must have been very difficult. These paintings are 10 x 10.
What a beautiful series of paintings Marie! So typically West Coast - you are a master at capturing the essence of this wonderful part of the country.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful thing that people in a place far away from your West Coast will be able to experience your part of the world through your paintings.... So HOW did you group them... Is is four separate frames or did you somehow frame them all together??
ReplyDeleteThank you, Liz!Out of the blue, I will be getting some recognition for painting the West Coast as it is.....I am burning to tell, but out of experience I have learnt not to get too excited too soon. So we will have to wait and see!
ReplyDeleteMarian, I am really pleased that people enjoy reading about this area. The paintings will be framed separately and will hang in square format, exactly the way I have photographed them. Thank you for your interest!