Contributing artist 2020 
Jane Humphries

‘Atlantic Swell at Sunset’

 
Imagine a beautiful sunset, a new moon and a great swell on the sea. This impressionistic picture is to take you to a highlight of an amazing voyage on a beautiful three masted gaff schooner named Blue Clipper, which sailed from A Couruna, in north west Spain, to Lisbon.
 
We had just passed the most westerly point of Spain, Cape Finisterre and the Atlantic islands, which host important colonies of sea birds and rich sea life and were developing strong sea legs to cope with an enormous Atlantic swell. We sailed into the most dramatic sunset with a tiny new moon illuminated against the darkening sky, moments to savour and reflect on the glories of nature.
 
On land at this point on the expedition we glimpsed the Sanctuary of Nosa Senora do Barca which is the end point for the pilgrimage route from Santiago de Compostela to the sea where pilgrims are expected to collect a scallop shell to show they arrived at the sea. The scallop shell symbol is often seen on the pilgrimage routes. Again, it was time to contemplate man’s part in the great universe.
 
Being part of a crew on a sailing ship takes us away from everyday life. We both return refreshed in body and spirit. ‘Atlantic Swell at Sunset’ tries to capture the memories of this remarkable voyage.
 


Jane Humphries is on the Wetheral Art Exhibition Committee