Introduction:
Today, I was sitting at my art table, and there it was! My winning art piece at the Irish Country Women’s Association’s Art competition, resting on the shelf, almost smiles back at me. It instantly took me back to the moment when I had truly lived every part of it.
That Moment of Delight
Oh! That time when I felt the power of the Sea in my bones. It was the time when we were on our trip to Bahrain last January. One fine day, we were out and about exploring the beautiful city. After an amazing lunch, I stood on the top floor of a restaurant, with the whole sea stretched out in front of me, just before we began our cruise on those beautiful turquoise waters. The weather was amazing, and the breeze brushed my face, fresh and soft, carrying with it the scent of saltwater, seaweeds, rocks, and food from the nearby restaurants. I was completely absorbed in the scene of the crystal-clear sea, dotted with boats of all sizes, gently floating on its surface.
A Shift in Perception
After soaking in that stillness and calm, I joined my family and set off. As our cruise began to cut through the waves, I felt a shift inside me. I realised how incredible it was!! The sea, holding all that weight and movement at once. Boats that were still, boats that drifted, boats that surged ahead, all balanced by the same water, with grace and power.
And in that moment, I could relate to the strength of the sea, which isn’t so different from the strength of a woman. I realised how much we carry: emotions, people, situations, while constantly adapting, holding steady, keeping balance, and doing it all with beauty and grace. And we keep going, vast and grounded, quietly resilient like the sea. I cannot forget how proud I suddenly felt in that moment.
Bringing It to Canvas
When we got home, I couldn’t keep that feeling bottled up. So I let my brushes do the talking, and this painting emerged, a reminder of quiet strength and resilience. It’s not about power that shouts; it’s about the power that endures, holds on, and carries us forward.
Recognition & Reflection
Winning the
Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA) competition with this piece meant a great deal, not just as an artist, but as someone striving to give shape to emotions, we often feel but can’t fully express. This painting captures that feeling of sailing through it, experiencing power, and standing strong.
Reflect and Share!
After experiencing this profound moment, I realized that we are not so different from the ocean. Just as the vast waters hold countless boats, we hold so much within ourselves, big or small, fragile or strong, speeding or drifting. We carry them all, adjusting, supporting, and guiding them toward their destinations. And not just that, we hold the storms, the challenges, the unexpected waves that come our way, keeping everything afloat with quiet resilience.
If this resonates, I’d be curious to know: what’s on your ocean, and how do you navigate it? Let’s reflect together.
