To be honest, I am having a hard time with it this late tonight. These images are hitting me pretty had somehow. I think that is a good thing.
I sat here and opened up multiple windows in my browser so I could stare at both pictures of the Swallow. I have been trying to frame the emotion in my mind independent of your other images since they are likely unrelated. Coupled with that, I am trying to make sure I am not overlaying too much of my own emotional state. I'm not sure I am being too successful.
On the other hand, I can tell you this with surety. I know I like your art. I can look at it over and over and still take an emotional impact from it. So, maybe I don't need to try so hard to distance my current emotional state with what is being conveyed in your pieces. My moods may change and my perception may adjust a little with that. But, that isn't a bad thing.
With the Swallow, I can hear the waves against the ship. But, I do not hear the people on the boat. There is a sense of loneliness on the ocean, and even on the ship. Initially, I liked the second picture better. It didn't make me feel the same type of loneliness. But, the first picture has it's own beauty. The type of beauty that sounds like the rough wind. The Swallow has a sense of ... strength perhaps. The strength of a survivor.
Boy, I hope I am making some sort of sense here.
The Tourmaline is much warmer. There is an expectancy and a confidence that the ship has. It's crew is enthusiastic and ready to conquer the world, regardless of what lies before it. I can easily feel myself on the deck, with the wind touseling my hair as we crest above a wave. If I were on the Tourmaline, I would have no doubts. Nothing shall defeat us as we explore whatever waits beyond the horizon. The wind and the salt spray are not threatening, they show that I am alive.
Hmm, odd how I can carry on like that. I am going to hold off on Commencement and your untitled piece. I need to recharge my batteries for the night. Again, let me say that I like the pieces you have posted. There is emotion there, and it makes me think. Please do not confuse the emotions it brings out as a critique of the work. Judge it based on how closely I came to feeling what you were trying to convey.
