“Energy Texture №40: Clashing Currents”

Day 240 of my artwork retrospective

“Energy Texture №40: Clashing Currents” acrylic © Donna McVicar Kazo

There is an inexhaustible amount of energy within the ocean, thanks to the power of the sun. The curvature of the earth means that areas are unevenly heated, which is a factor in the generation of wind and currents.

If you’ve been following my retrospective, you will probably be aware of my fascination with the endless properties of water. A large part of this has had to do with my personal survival. There was a time when I had to keep close eye on the ever-changing aqueous topography from my canoe else I come to a bad end.

So when I took knife in hand and shaped these curving wavelike forms separated by two furrows of relative calm, I was tapping into all types of memory, both in my mind and in my muscles.

The very existence of life on our planet is determined by currents. Cold currents offshore cause the land to be arid and cool, while a warm current such as the Gulf Stream provides temperatures suited to more comfortable human habitation.

Currents may travel thousands of miles or just swirl under bridges and around structures within the water. Those who wish to travel safely on water, especially in smaller vessels, must learn about both types.

Energy, so much energy, clashing and competing!

There have been times when I’d be paddling parallel to shore, feeling the pressure of the tide and the wind, and coping with both to the best of my ability, when a channel inland for the passage of yachts and smaller boats would appear ahead. Time to watch the surface of the water with even greater care.

A concentrated gust might blow offshore through the channel like a wind tunnel, and of course the increased depth and cooler temperature of the water within the channel along with its enhanced power had to be carefully handled.

Plus, since it was a deepwater channel dug for larger boats, for a canoeist it will be much like a bicyclist scooting across a busy highway. Add to the list the very common problem of alcohol consumption while boating (other people, not yours truly!).

So I would have to draw on my personal reserves of energy and put myself into “blazing paddles mode” to cross the boat channel as quickly as my canoe would take me, to the relative safety of shallower water.

Having survived a certain number of watery adventures, it’s now my privilege to draw on my memories so I may portray for your enjoyment a microcosm of what truly makes our world go round.