Seasons of Water
A 68 page book of small acrylic works, photography and verse published together just for you!
Seasons of Water is a visual exploration of the healing lessons of Lake Michigan across a year of seasons. The collection begins with Fall, the season of endings that truly began my journey. It takes you through the cold of winter, the tempers of spring, and into the joy of summer. The water of each season brought its own wisdom to me once I was quiet and observant enough to notice. This is my chance to share it with you.
FALL
Summer currents lull us to a new season. The lake beckons and welcomes with the wilds of change. Fall water is deeper water that calls for deeper commitment.
The long push and pull between land and wave, sienna and cerulean. A good tossing about with a chill in both air and water.
Golden light and the smell of lake and cedar. The fish run the river to spawn. A love of what was and what is to come.
Mesmerizing whispers of let go and wait, wait for the new. Over and over. Let go. Wait for the new.
WINTER
Winds blow arctic air and my water changes to a whole new state. Slowly it ebbs with frost and slush, and eventually settles into thick blue ice.
Overnight, ice floats in and hems us in solid, surely until spring, I think. It might stay for days or weeks. As fast as it comes, it goes out again over and over. A reassurance perhaps that stuck is never as stuck as it seems. Water inky dark and lonely still moving in and out somewhere in the depths.
Never fully trust what only looks like solid ice but appreciate its offer of the gift of rest. Rest with the thought that a thaw is always coming. Winter water is a testament of power and strength under control.
SPRING
Spring water is alive and will not be tamed! Freshly unleashed, the water is urgent and relentless.
It chews the shore away in some places and gives it back in others, in anger and generosity, to whatever degree it pleases. It is a fierce reminder to take each moment as it comes.
It demands you honor the new. It harkens to the dark of winter and hints at the jewel tone of summer.
Spring water is a temptress, inviting with a bite. It’s full of mystery and challenge, treasures and trinkets drug up from its depths – all to make you be alive.
SUMMER
Summer waters promise to hold close. They baptize with sapphire tides in hints of turquoise and teal.
These waters lure you back to wild. The lake joins you to birds and fish and deer under sun and moon and stars. Its waves flash and sparkle, beckoning to follow the currents of adventure.
It rocks it amniotic body to nourish and persuade. It is equal parts rest and play, full of vigor and breeds pure joy.
My freshwater ocean is true delight, blue in celebration that water quenches thirst. That water heals. That water moves. That water brings life. The water of the big lake calls to the water in you to celebrate life in all its forms and seasons.
