Reflections of the Sea

We have all had a tough few years and the thing that has really kept me sane has been my love of the sea, I am so lucky to live near the sea and to be able to breathe in that lovely fresh air and ozone.  The comfort that the sea has brought to so many people has been astonishing.  So many people started walking and swimming and living a smaller but maybe fuller life as a result of the hardships of the last few years.
 I now love to swim in the sea - as a child I had a fear of the waves and was always nervous of swimming - but about 10 years ago I challenged myself to give it a try, and I am so glad I did!!  Since then I have been a regular sea swimmer - or more of a dipper than a swimmer if Im honest!  I usually swim from March to October and walk the beach or the coast path near my home in the winter as well.   Last summer due to an illness I wasn't able to swim and I missed it so much - but I could still draw and paint my favourite place - so I have had nothing but joy from the sea for the past few years.  
With that in mind I approached Signal Arts Centre in Bray with an idea for an exhibition - rough title "The Sea Saves us"  I still don't know what exactly I will call the exhibition but I want to reflect the different stories of how the sea has helped us all through difficult times and in different ways.  I would love to hear anyones personal stories of the sea which might inspire new paintings.  I have started on the paintings and will be working on them for the next five months, up to the last minute.  The exhibition will be in Bray at the end of September 2022.  
Now I'm off to paint some more!  
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