Suaimhneas na Mara (Calm of the Sea)
Balscadden Bay beach is a small stony beach that lies sheltered beneath the cliffs of Howth in Dublin. It is a popular swimming spot and people swim here all year round (see last photo).
I have been swimming here for the last three years and I am still getting to know the colours and moods of the sea in this area. Sometimes it is clear and calm like a lake, sometimes it is fierce and wild. There are times when there is nothing but a gentle swell and the sea-birds bob up and down on the waves. Sometimes the sea sparkles as fragments of sunlight bounce off the water and it looks as if there is a strange magic dancing in the air above it (last photo above).
I love Balscadden Bay and everyone who swims here seems to really love and appreciate it too. The cold salty water soothes and calms a frazzled mind. It eases tension in the body and relieves muscular aches and pains. It slows everything down.
After a swim I feel more clear and spacious in my mind. I have a stronger sense of connection with my body and everything feels right (for a while at least!). I feel as though I am “ lán le suaimhneas na mara ” (full of the calm of the sea).
I chose the word “suaimhneas” for the title of this piece because this is what comes to mind when I float in the sea. Phonetically, it relays the sense of ease and calm that I feel - SOO-UV-NSS – and ease and calm are one of the translations of this beautiful soothing word.
- Original Pen & Ink painting painted with lightfast liquitex inks and winsor and newton calligraphy inks.
- Image size 14 x 11" / 35 x 28 cm
- Painted on Fabriano Artistico 640 gsm
- Overall paper size : 15 x 12"/38 x 30.5 cm
- The story above is included with the painting
Please note the following:
This piece will need to be framed professionally for longevity.
It is best to frame it with UV museum glass.
It is a good idea to place this painting out of direct sunlight when hanging on wall.
This painting will be sent unframed and without a mount.
It will be shipped flat and sent by registered post.
The outside edge of the painting shows paint-marks used during colour-testing. These can be covered over when sizing for mount/matting. See second last photo.
