WHITE HORSES: COVID DREAMS AND THE RHYTHM OF LOCKDOWN

‘When anxious, uneasy and bad thoughts come, I go to the sea, and the sea drowns them out with its great wide sounds, cleanses me with its noise, and imposes a rhythm upon everything in me that is bewildered and confused.’ -Rainer Maria Rilke

The emotions of lockdown come and go, ebb and flow: disquieting and sometimes extreme; often softly cocooned in a safe quarantine bubble. I am having unusually vivid dreams. I read in the news that I am not the only one. It can be hard to separate the dreams from reality. 

The world was in lockdown, but Spring and Summer still came as they always have. I have never enjoyed watching the Seasons unfold so much. We are all focussing more on the natural world. The air is cleaner; the streets are quieter and wildlife and flowers are returning.

I find some comfort in slowing down and surrendering to the unstoppable progression of Nature. There is a stillness to be found in yielding to her rhythms and accepting their power. I flow with her and she emboldens me. 

These images are an exploration of the simple lines and repeating patterns of Nature in her various forms. I would like the viewer to slow down and experience the wonder of the undulating and unstoppable rhythm of nature, like waves hitting the shoreline.

Breaking waves are sometimes referred to as white horses, as the crest of the wave can be seen as the mane of the horse. If you listen closely, the faint booming of the waves crashing, sounds like hundreds of hooves thundering along the ground.

Here are a few of my White Horses - the repeating forms, shapes and lines of the progression of Nature. Give in to their power. I hope you enjoy the ride!