Find Your Refuge

If you live near or have visited the coast, chances are that you have witnessed the formation of the unusual nebular columns of passing thunderstorm clouds lining the not too distant horizon. In this unique moment, you can inhale the moisture-laden crispness lingering in the air and hear the slightly agitated waves breaking repeatedly on the shore which are left in the aftermath of the storm. Along the Gulf Coast, if you are standing in a southerly direction facing the beach around sunset, you can observe the last rays of the sun crowning the tips of these interesting clouds in a parting blaze of glory.

Refuge

This photograph does not truly detail the high definition, but if you look closely - or could see it in person, there are background layers of clouds behind the background layers of clouds. There are thousands of very tiny brushstrokes of blending moving color in every single cloud in my attempt to represent the ever-changing dynamics in the skies above us, especially after a storm. I then tried to continue this motion into painting the waves, trying to depict the slight unrest in the roll of the breakers against the shore, along with the fragmented reflections of the clouds.

As always, this painting of light and beauty enduring and remaining after the tumult of a passing storm is an analogy to the hardships of what I and many others deal with on a daily basis. This is especially dedicated to those like myself who continue to exist the daily ‘storm’ of struggles brought on by paralysis and transverse myelitis . . . the hardship, obstacles, ever-present pain and fatigue. Pull your boat into a safe place and find your “Refuge”. Look for the light in your life. Be the light in the world.