“The sea always filled her with longing, though for what she was never sure.”
― Cornelia Funke
I really love the sea. For a long time I made sure that I visited frequently with the camera or without, to enjoy the sounds and the tranquility that can be experienced on most seashores. Even Southampton, a port on the South coast, has some nice areas. Yes really! But sadly where I live is too far inland to be within easy reach of the coast – which I think makes it all the more special when I do get the chance to pop down.
So today with the rain showing no more signs of letting up and my mind inching towards some still life photography I decided to focus on sea shells. It’s actually amazing how many nautical items we have dotted around the house. I went on a scavenger hunt this morning and arrived at my studio aka bedroom windowsill with an armful of seaside objects. Some of the best memories of my childhood come from being on a beach or by the sea.
I used to spend Summers with my Grandparents where they lived on the Isle of Wight. My Grandad is an Artist and always took me down to the coast to do some painting. Or, if the weather was nice and we fancied staying at home then we would set up the painting table in the conservatory that looked out onto an emerald blue strip of the Solent. My Grandad is a beautiful artist, using watercolors and oils to recreate wonderful nature scenes, but his ships and ocean paintings will always be my favorite.
One of the strongest memories I have is of collecting pebbles and sea glass. I was fascinated (and still am!) by the way that the sea smoothed over the jagged glass until it was soft and beautiful. We used to paint ducks and penguins on to the rocks we found and then glue them together to make ornaments. It was a child’s game, but I loved every second.
So today I spent some time setting up the still life shots – hopefully those reading will enjoy them! It does make a nice change from raindrops at least – although I would not complain if I was sat beside the sea right now – even in this weather! So I’ll close this blog with a beautiful poem – on of my Grandad’s Favourites.
Sea Fever
I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking.
I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.
I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull’s way and the whale’s way, where the wind’s like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.
-John Masefield
Kathryn Dawson Photography 