The last rose of summer
September is flying past, and autumn begins this week. I took this photo of a rose in my yard yesterday, as it made one final …
Cartooning under the sea with Jim Toomey
This recent talk by cartoonist Jim Toomey, creator of Sherman’s Lagoon, is a great example of an artist who not only draws inspiration from the …
Turner and the art of the seascape
J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851) was one of the greatest English painters of land and sea, and far ahead of his time. Many of his works are …
Animated films under the sea
Many animated films have used the ocean as a setting. It’s a colorful place that appeals to all ages, and has a mystery that lends …
Moby Dick, a whale of a book
Continuing my summer ocean theme, I’d like to discuss one of the great novels of the sea, Moby Dick by Herman Melville. I was never …
Whale Rider revisited
The film Whale Rider won acclaim in 2002 for its moving story of a young Maori girl and her struggles to find her place in …
Monsters of the sea
The ocean has always been shrouded in mystery because it is almost entirely hidden. Imagine a time before submarines and scuba gear, before ships ventured …
The Big, Blue Ocean
Illustration by Alicia “Kat” Dillman Summer is here, and for the next six weeks or so, I am going to devote this blog to one …
A bit of earth
There are few things that hold more promise than a fresh patch of garden, all ready to be planted. An empty garden in springtime is …
A light exists in spring
In honor of Poetry Month and springtime, here is a poem by Emily Dickinson. There is a certain light in springtime that is unique to …