This is the Sea

This painting is a tribute to The Waterboys and their amazing song This is the Sea.
"This young man has travelled far arriving at a time in his life [the shore] when his world, himself, circumstances and others have all changed before his eyes .
Everything before this moment was only the river, this is the sea.
He has the advantage of having a magical mount [power and wisdom], and to have tamed this Unicorn he has transformed his wild self also.
He is dressed in his best attire [mind and body] and dressed to impress but is barefoot remaining grounded, connected to Earth and himself.
The sea, the path before him looks awesome and dangerous but, as in the song, on the horizon there is light that is offering an opportunity and it is his if he wants it, it is up to him .Fortune favours the brave and he must take this chance now while it is still here .
He rests for the moment and beholds the Sea."

Listening to this song is like sitting with a wise sage and it has had the amazing ability to be meaningful, and has helped me to understand life and challenging circumstances many times over the last 30 years. It is like an old friend.
The song as with the painting is about someone at one of those crucial points in life as everything is changing, when one must leave behind what will not serve anymore, realise what is over and move forward with a new mindset. I have been wanting to paint my interpretation of this song of wisdom and what it has meant for me for many years now and finally it is here! Please enjoy and even listen to the song yourself and see where it takes you.

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I have always been creative and enjoyed drawing and art at school whilst growing up in the Illawarra district of New South Wales. My trade as a Farrier [Blacksmith] although also a science is regarded as very artistic in nature. I now live in the North East Victoria region and am of both Italian and Australia heritage.
In 2006 I got serious about drawing and then moved onto oil painting, which I love, in 2014. Being totally self taught I have benefited from this and have developed my own style and have not followed marketing subject trends but painted from heart.

My paintings start with a strong emotional narrative and I use subjects in both a literal and symbolic way so as to open a door to wonder and imagination for the viewer whilst giving them the room to discover their own interpretations.

I am thoroughly rewarded when people are touched by my work, maybe recalling a sweet memory or desire and are left with a new sense of how beautiful life really is. Combined with my paintings I include written pieces/poetry that adds to and supports the messages I am conveying.
My process begins with a strong idea and title followed by a photo shoot with my models. I then go to the canvas and do the first under paintings and this is followed slowly with multiple layers of oil paint over the next months to bring these paintings alive.
I have an endless stream of inspirations and ideas that I want to paint and my hope is to touch as many hearts as possible, creating something beautiful in the memories of people while constantly developing my artistic skills.