March 08, 2010

Maritime Art.

I love the ocean.
I have mentioned this numerous times in the past and many of my posts are dedicated to this large, enticing body of water.

To gaze across the ever changing surface of the sea is the most liberating sensation. Standing in its proximity, while listening to the sounds of the surf, feasting my eyes on the mixed colours of the rolling waves, tasting the salty air as the ocean kisses my lips and with every breath I take, drawing in the scent of the maritime aerosol mixed with the fragrance of seaweed is in essence an experience for all my senses.

The most intriguing fact about the ocean is that it is never the same. Every time I see it, I am in for a surprise. Not one snapshot I carry in my memory is identical to the next. Even the slightest change in the wind, the presence or absence of clouds above it, not to mention the seasons, make the view of the sea always seem brand new.

Whenever I get the chance, I take walks on one of the many nearby beaches. Last Friday I stopped by the sea on my day off, a day full with sunshine and the first presence of spring in the air.
Only three weeks ago, this beach had a feel of the arctic, with its water front frozen solid. The heavy ice is now all gone, as if it never existed, thus dispersing my fears of the opposite.
The sandy beach was clear and even though the remains of snow could be seen here and there, the beach appeared quite a different place today than in February. The sound of gentle waves hitting the shore felt soothing and comforting.
The sand was littered with small treasures in the form of seaweed and sea shells, creating a beautiful maritime art, using the white sand as a canvas. Some of the shells and stones looked almost as if they belonged in a jewelry piece, shinning with blue luster and pearl essence.

My walk on this early spring beach cleared mind and soul, filing my entire being with optimism. The air was still and the absence of wind made the place serene and tranquil, bringing back the memories of the summer sea.
We are not quiet there just yet, but getting closer by each and every day.

31 comments:

J Cosmo Newbery said...

I love walking along a beach in drizzling rain. Don't really know why, but I do.

Brian Miller said...

beautiful beach pics...i can smell the salt in the air and taste it on my lips...

Reasons said...

You simply cannot beat the sea - it's the best.

Kath said...

Strangely enough, I was thinking about the sea today, when I was clearing out the workshop. I found a little glass jar full of fragments of sea washed glass, many came from Ireland. I dithered...and put them back on the shelf. I have been meaning to make a mobile from them for ages.

Donna said...

Zuzana, this is beautiful. I love the ocean.

Hugs,
Donna

S. Susan Deborah said...

Zuzana:

Your maritime art looks fab.

How wonderful are your thoughts and pictures. You could compile a book on the seasons and life in your part of the world.

Joy and passion always,
Susan

Anonymous said...

The sea is captivating! I like the "maritime aerosol "...what a perfect way to describe it. The blue shell does look like a gem, maybe lapis.

steviewren said...

The beach scenes in the mosaic are pristine and beautiful. A walk along the sea whenever you want sounds like a mini vacation to me.

Mark said...

The water is always a soothing place! Thanks for sharing.

sprinkles said...

I do like bodies of water but I'm afraid of them. I never learned to swim and have always been afraid of learning.

Those blue shells are pretty!

Lynne said...

You are lucky to have the sea close by. I miss it when I read about it. We lived quite close to it when we lived in England.

MOOD said...

Glad to hear that you are out of winter and able to walk the beaches of spring.I believe it is the sea sprays that makes our hearts sing whenever we walk along beaches.It is also a marvellous place to beach our soul under the majesty and encompassing beauty of nature's sunset.May the force be with you!

Rajesh said...

Walking on the sea shore for me always been enchanting experience. Wonderful post.

Hilary said...

Wow.. you sure did find and photograph some wonderful beach art. Such wonderful images. Lucky you.. and lucky us that you share. :)

Richard Jesse Watson said...

I am glad that the ocean is more welcoming for you now. Wonderful pictures. I too find that each visit to the shore is unique. Always treasures, always an interplay of creatures. Also I love how time is put in a grander perspective. Wave upon wave. The scouring of the wind and salt. Ebbs and flows. It always gives me a peace and helps me get a handle of everything else. Thank you, Zuzana.

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

You know, thinking of the ocean front being frozen sends a chill over me, but I would love to see it. Beautiful post. You are fortunate to live near the sea. C.

järnebrand said...

I found you through a comment you made at Brian's. I just wanted to tell you that I really liked your photos. Wonderful. Seems you guys have a little less snow in Denmark than we do up in Sweden...
And since you used to live here, I might be able to comment this in Swedish... Jättefina bilder! Tack för att du delade med dig! :) Kram/ Jo.

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love the ocean too, it is so calming and peaceful... Luckily I am surrounded by 17miles of public beach with smooth seas 99% of the time... hence the constant visitors!

Betsy Brock said...

Spring is certainly on it's way!

Rebecca said...

These images are wonderful. I was also just thinking of the sea and how I hope to live closer to the shore in a few more years. It's so hynotic and mysterious...Love that:)

Margie said...

I so love the ocean!
Your pics are so beautiful!
Thank you for sharing them.

Zuzana, I might not be posting for a little while or get around to visit you as much as I want as I took a fall on the ski slope when I was on my trip and I need to get lots of rest.
Be here when I can though.

Wishing you joy always as you give so much joy to all in your posts.

Be well!
Be happy!

Margie
xo

Claus said...

Dis you pick anything?! :-) I love to pick up stones and sea shells, and have a bowl at home where I place my findings :-) It's a lot of fun!, and one is in possession of natural treasures.
Warmth is on your way my friend! a good change from all the cold and white of the winter.
have a lovely day!

Kat Mortensen said...

Wonderful photographs, Zuzana. I too am a big fan of the ocean. It's just that I don't get to see it very often. Thanks for taking me back.

Kat

Reading Tea Leaves said...

I love this post Zuzana, so evocative - I can smell the salty sea air and the seaweed! You are indeed fortunate to live close to such a pristine beach which is clearly beautiful in all seasons, and your mosaics of maritime are wonderful!

Thank you:-)

Jeanne x

Gal Friday said...

Another, frame-worthy photo collage! I can just about smell the salt air from looking at the images.
I went down to the beach with my mother and my dog today--it wasn't too breezy and we actually sat on the sand for awhile, it was warm enough.

Percy Bisque Silley said...

O summer Sea
I think of thee,
A pensive kind of cogency
O lovely, bubbly summer sea -
And doth thou ever think of Me?

Poignantly,
Percy

Rustique Gal said...

I think the sea is wonderful to be around. There's nothing that quiets the mind and body like the rhythmic movement of water. I get to see it now and then, but am more often drawn to mountains and waterfalls and lakes. Your pictures are lovely, as is your writing. Sherry

Jeannette StG said...

The first time after the snow is gone, is like everything comes back to life. I love all your pics, but the center one is very artsy -was it laying like that, or did you arrange if for your pic?
Beautiful!

Zuzana said...

Cosmo, Brian, Joanne, Kath, Donna, Susan, LadyCat, Stevie, Mark, sprinkles, Lynne, Mahmud, Rajesh, Hilary, Richard, C, järnebrand, (welcome), Eternally Distracted, Betsy, Rebecca, Margie, Claudia, Kat, Jeanne, Tina, Percy (welcome), Sherry and jeannette – I am delighted to learn that you too share with me my love for the ocean, to a larger or lesser degree at least.:) Thank you so much for sharing your own thought on the subject, I enjoy reading them all.

Thank you likewise for your always kind words about my photography and the collage making. I enjoy both greatly. Therefore it warms my heart to know they are appreciated.

Your visits and kind comments mean more than words can express.

Xoxo
Zuzana

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

I think this particular collage is exquisite! You should send it away to be printed and frame it for your lovely home. I just love it!

Gal Friday said...

~To Jill(above),
That is what I thought, too, as soon as I saw this particular collage!