COVID BLUE
Rounding the westernmost tip of Keats Island, a fleet of perhaps 12 kayaks and canoes were gliding on calm ocean waters as the early mists had lifted to reveal a perfect morning for escaping. It was the summer of 2020, the summer of the Covid Pandemic global crisis. We were all doing that this summer; whenever we could – we were escaping. In whatever way we could, we were diverting our attention to anything that would take us away from the ever-present pall that was Covid.
In those small craft, surrounded by soothing ocean waters and nature we found some peace. Out on the Salish Sea there was no Covid. Social distancing was easy and natural out there. It was a place of relaxation and tranquility. There was no rush, no reason to push too hard. This was all about being in the moment and completely forgetting about what was back there on shore.
On that shore, there was no end in sight. It was a place of washing hands, staying away from loved ones, masks and avoiding an unseen enemy. Out here we were all safe, comfortable, at peace and full of a calming energy. And the morning seascape reflected our emotions. If indeed, we were “blue” inside, the hills of Preston Island, Bowen Island and Gambier Island certainly spoke of our mood in an unbelievable cascade of soothing blues. To a person, we all stopped and drifted in awe of our surroundings.
Throughout this summer of isolation with no end in sight, I’ve wanted to create some paintings that speak of the times. So too, I want the title to cause one to question, to wonder and to enquire. These Covid times are not to be forgotten. These are the times of history, and for me this painting of blue really demanded this title as it came to life. It speaks of our times and of the general psychological and subliminal malaise of the summer of 2020. But, it does it in such a peaceful, beautiful way, as only a calm ocean morning on the Sunshine Coast can do.
The reason we were there that morning is a matter of the history of the summer of 2020. We had to be there, for our own health, for our own wellbeing. Whether we could even admit it at the time or not, the scene we paddled into was a reflection of what we felt inside – “COVID BLUE”.
