Ode to a Repeated Motif

Exhibitions:

* Artists on Cape Ann: Past & Present, North Short Arts Association, Gloucester, MA

* Sea La Vie Solo Exhibition, NSAA/Beauport Hotel Gloucester, Gloucester, MA

Last summer while my folks from Illinois were visiting, we pointed "Her Royal Velocity" (my blue Honda HRV) South-South-East to Gloucester & Rockport. We took the scenic route to take Farmer Bob by bucolic scenes: horse farms, rolling hills and picturesque barns.  In Rockport, we played full tourist hitting numerous galleries and quaint shops. As it was August & quite warm, we stopped for some refreshment. Once inside, there was a poster that directed patrons to be sure to go through to enjoy the view on the balcony--this is it! Between the perfect weather and optimal vantage point, this view of "Motif #1" was irresistible! 

What is "Motif #1" some of you might ask? It's the iconic red fishing shack perched at the end of Bradley Wharf on Bearskin Neck in Rockport, MA. It is also one of the most painted buildings in the world. Originally built in the mid 1800's, its red color set against the sea & sky captured the imagination of many a plein air painter visiting Cape Ann. From the the 1930's thru to 1945, it even became an artist studio for John Buckley. In 1945, he sold the building to the town of Rockport who dedicated it to Rockporters who had served in the Armed Services.

The original structure was lost to the wind churned waves during the Blizzard of '78, but the people of Rockport came together to rebuild and maintain this iconic landmark.

In art and design one vehicle to build cohesion within a space, is by the use of repeating motifs. As New England is drenched in maritime history... I figured it was my turn to capture the #1 subject that bears repeating.