Description
Bull Kelp Driftwood, 1990
Casein on Arches
Signed
22 x 30 in (image)
30 x 48 x 2 in.(frame)
original, includes certificate of authenticity from ArtTrust
The painting “Bull Kelp” captures a tranquil yet somber scene at the seashore, where a mass of tangled seaweed sprawls across the sand, alongside a piece of bleached driftwood. The background is dominated by a calm sea, fading into a gradient of blues under a cloudy sky. The seaweed’s intricate details and the smooth texture of the driftwood contrast against the soft tones of the ocean and sky, evoking a sense of desolation and nature’s quiet persistence.
In Zen Buddhism, this image could symbolize the concept of “letting go” or “non-attachment.” The driftwood and seaweed are carried by the currents, existing in a state of acceptance without resistance. This reflects the Zen idea of going with the flow of life, embracing change, and releasing oneself from the desire for control. The tangled seaweed may represent the complexity of thoughts and emotions that one must release to achieve a state of inner peace.
The image could correspond with the I Ching Hexagram 29, “Kan” or “The Abysmal,” which represents water and peril but also perseverance and flowing through adversity. Here, the seaweed’s entanglement may signify life’s challenges, while the driftwood embodies resilience and adaptability. The scene encourages one to remain steadfast despite complexities and to trust in the natural course of events.
Combining Zen and I Ching perspectives, the artwork invites contemplation on the themes of impermanence and persistence. The juxtaposition of the seaweed’s entangled form with the smooth lines of the driftwood suggests a balance between chaos and calmness. Together, they embody the transient nature of life and the value of moving with rather than against the tides.
The composition’s naturalistic elements and attention to texture evoke the influences of both Romanticism and Japanese landscape art, where nature serves as a central motif to express deeper philosophical meanings. The detailed rendering of the seaweed and driftwood is reminiscent of still life traditions, while the overall mood reflects an introspective, almost meditative approach that aligns with modern explorations of existentialism.
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“Bull Kelp Driftwood” was featured in his Yes Retrospective, in volume V of the series Bob Camblin N Compleat Workes.
Reproductions of this drawing are available in multiple sizes!
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This artwork is available with a non-fungible token to ensure traceability and transparency of provenance.
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