Boats in Britanny

This past fall was my first trip to Brittany, where the rocky shores of the Atlantic coast were dramatically beautiful and reminded me a bit of the Pacific Northwest. The dichotomy between the aggressively dangerous power of the ocean and its ability to heal mesmerizes me. In ancient times, the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians understood the therapeutic properties of seawater. Hippocrates, Galen, Plato and Aristotle recommended the use of hot baths to not only clean wounds but also for preventative purposes. Research states that seawater strengthens the body against viruses, low defenses, bacteria and pathogens.
Seawater in particular assists in strengthening the cellular immunity is known to play a key role in the elimination of many tumors. There are multiple benefits of being by the sea – the sound of the crashing sea waves has a healing effect on our mind and body as it induces deep states of relaxation.
That being said, the treacherous strength of the ocean fits the true meaning of Immanuel Kant's definition of the sublime. It demands our respect. About 70% of the earth's surface is covered with water of which 96% is stored in the oceans. Even human bodies are made up of about 55-70% water. Indeed, we do belong to the ocean.

This has spawned me to begin a series of paintings about man's relationship with the ocean. I am sharing my first piece here with you based on a boat cemetery I visited off the coast of Brittany, near Quiberon.

Oil on Canvas, 36" x 60"