I am certainly far from what most would call a philosophical artist. Nostalgic yes, but I’m not one to attach deep caverns of meaning in each of my paintings. That said, there have been exceptions.
North lake Island is just one such painting and when you look at it you will understand quickly.
There are times in life when we become fed up with our surroundings, we long for some rest, away time. We desire to see less people and have time to focus.
I went through a very lengthy time like this, without giving up all the boring details lets just say that kids moved away, separation happened, and ready or not I found myself isolated and alone.
I joked for years about how I could live alone in the woods and all I would need would be my brushes and canvas. I never imagined how close I would come to becoming exactly that very picture. For the most part I have learned to function well, but my isolation from what used to be a socially busy life, surrounded by my very busy family life. Seemingly happened almost overnight.
Separation from ones life as one knew it can be fairly traumatic, for me that was and still is very much the case, I truly wasn’t ready for what I brought on myself.
In reflection I began this painting.
Although the island is isolated on a northern lake it would be easy to overlook the family of trees existing together therein. They are their own social circle, they exist together and are nourished by each other. In life, as it goes, change is the only thing that doesn’t change, life constantly throws curve balls at us and change happens. Kids leave, age takes us to new places.
I have memories, of being on that island, and this painting captures the entire story.
Perhaps you identify.
It has been painted not just for me, but for you.
North lake Island
36"x48" oil on canvas
available at robertmcaffee@gmail.com