Equilibrium

Three Stacked Buoys by the Sea, oil on canvas, 50" x 42", Steven Rhude, private collection


The objective of achieving balance in life is constantly being assessed owing to our knowledge of opposing forces. From family, friends, to community. The human body, diet, the life cycle - existence and mortality; the idea of spirit. Our place in the Maritimes, church, state, and equality. Relationships, close or long distance, personal or political, are forever subject to the vicissitude's of external and internal forces. Forever being analyzed, scrutinized, and catagorized.

While working on this painting, my youngest son Samuel, observed that he would hold the water back, because he liked the idea that something so seemingly difficult to balance could be achieved.  I asked him how long he thought he could hold back the advancing ocean?  He replied: "for at least as long as it takes you to finish the painting."

Sam has a way of leaving me at a loss for words.

Steven Rhude, Wolfville, NS

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