My first impression of this graciously proportioned building was that the image was reminiscent of an Edward Hopper painting. The American painter captured the magnificent light of the East Coast and I am quite certain, albeit subconsciously, has influenced me as a visual artist. The elusive light of my surroundings sometimes causes me to respond emotionally; sometimes the beauty “breaks your heart” because you want to hang onto it forever. As homage to Hopper I have included the figure in the bay window. This homestead belongs to our neighbours next door; Louise and Clayton Strickland. Clayton, a retired sea captain could always be counted on for a yarn of local history. In the fall of 2005, Clayton fell ill and passed on within six weeks. His spirit still is with us in the little drawing of him as the figure standing off from the right of the house. Farewell is not only a good bye but a greeting that expresses that we wish for those who touch us a happy journey, whatever it might be.

As a Pisces with the surname of Swim living in Nova Scotia, fish as a theme came naturally. This Work took on its own life when I placed a sketch of my son as a boy inside the fish shape. Other areas of this piece allude to tidal ridges in sand, the grey waters of the Atlantic and a seascape in the upper right hand side. The verse Jonah 1:17 appears under the fish – ‘And Jonah was in the belly of the fish, three days and three nights.’ My interpretation is the belly of the fish is life at its lowest ebb and how we choose to handle it, what doesn’t kill you it will make you stronger.