Jewel of the Sea
Oil on Board 10 x 10
Original $275.00 set in a black/black floating frame
On display at Meetinghouse Arts, Freeport Maine as of June 21, 2024.
In my original oil painting Jewel of the Sea, I sought to portray the rising acknowledgment, awareness, and presence that oyster farms are assuming on the Maine coast.
Maine has 3,500 miles of coastline, with cold, salty ocean water rich in nutrients where oysters are nature's filters, tirelessly cleansing the water. In Casco Bay, oysters are vital components of a larger ecological tapestry. Their filtering process improves water clarity and quality, supporting the health of the entire marine ecosystem. In my painting, I wanted to honor the oyster's silent contribution to the relentless bombardment of synthetic nitrogens and toxins humans release into the seas.
Interestingly, oysters are a reflection of the micro-environment in which they grow. Everything from water temperature, salinity, season, the geology of the watershed, and growing methods work impact each oyster.
Each and everyone, working tirelessly in our dark seas, is a little gem of its own.
The Process
I used a palette of delicate playful tones, layering on shades of muted browns and grays to capture the natural patina of the shell. The variation in mark-making, from bold, textured strokes to fine, delicate lines, conveys the complexity of its form. My deep saturation of colors plays with a hint of glimmering, floating -almost mystical quality- with a bit of playfulness.
What To Do in Maine
One can no longer experience Maine without learning about the vital role oysters play in our seas, and how they bring together a string of communities up and down the coastline.
The Maine Oyster Festival - Plan a weekend visit around this growing festival, meet the farmers, surround yourself with music, and art, and of course, shuck and slurp if you wish!
Mere Point Oyster Farm I am a little partial to Mere Point, simply because of their locality, and ongoing efforts to involve the community and educate. You can visit their farm on a little darling boat tour on a beautiful summer day, or, I like to support them at my local farmer’s market.
Maine Oyster Trail This is brilliant. The oyster movement is now a ‘trail’! Grab a passport and experience oysters up and down our coastline. In my mind, it’s like a destination winery regionFreeport Oyster Bar or a strand of micro-breweries. Only better.
Freeport Oyster Bar No doubt you will be able to find oysters in any town, but I am partial to the local simplicity of Freeport Oyster Bar tucked in on Maine Street in Freeport. Grab a barstool, try something new and if you are lucky, enjoy some local music as well.
