On the Island
noble white petals
yield the stillness of a dream
takes your breath away
a liquid blue soul
serene in beauty and breath
she waxes and wanes
While painting this piece, I felt a connection to Lori. It was like I was painting her soul. I stayed in a beautiful meditative state all the way through to writing the poem that is in honor of Lori’s beauty. This one is for you Lori — not sure if it’s how you view yourself or your soul. It’s just what came to me while painting and reflecting on who you are as I know you through your art and words.
–genece hamby, contemporary artist & poet
http://sanctuaryofstillness.wordpress.com
If you’ve ever lived on an island
If ever you’ve lived on an island
if ever you’ve lived by the sea;
You’ll never return to the mainland
once your spirit has been set free.
If ever you’ve smelled the ocean
or tasted the salt in the air;
You’ll know you’ve discovered a haven
that is uncommon, precious and rare.
If ever you’ve seen the whales play
or watched the eagles in flight;
You’ll remember, again, why you live here
and why it feels so right.
If ever you’ve seen the sunset
as the ferry passed the shore;
You’ve seen the beauty of the island
that will be with you forever more.
If ever you’ve heard the seagulls
the waves, a foghorn, the winds;
Then you’ve heard the song of the island
and the peaceful message it sends.
Indeed, if you live on an island
if you’re lucky to live be the sea;
You’ll never return to the mainland
as your spirit has been set free.
Sanctuary of Stillness
In the Pacific Northwest
written by Genece
In the Pacific Northwest
crisp and delightful winds
gently breeze through the heart.
Arouse the intricacy of my soul
that is home to all the passions.
Calm to the breath of spirit and
sweet to the essence of my nature.
The sea that whets my appetite
freshens and awakens
the call to life’s true purpose.
The voice that demands my truth
giving and receiving.
The vision that no longer haunts me,
the freedom of expression that wants me.
An island cottage to nurture my work
exceptional and beautiful.
The artist paints dreams in watercolor.
The writer writes authentic treasures.
Inspiring and voracious images
outpour from visual details
Words sketch into feelings of grace.
In the Pacific Northwest
from the inside world
meaningful rhythms that curve me
along the shores of my fulfillment.
Blissful thoughts are quiet and
vulnerable to the allure of water
that has brought me home to dream.
This poem was written about Guemes Island (a small island 10 miles in radius) located in the Pacific Northwest (approx. 90 miles north of Seattle) where I lived for 2 1/2 years. The island is made up of people from all walks of life–home to artists, writers, professors, musicians, fishermen, environmentalists, hippies. and retired people. One of the things I most treasured while living there was that most people referred to the island as “an island of creative misfits and muses.”
You’d be amazed at how much happens in this magical place that’s just a short five minute ferry ride from the town of Anacortes, WA. Facing the San Juan Islands, Orcas whales swim the channel on the west side and large egrets habit the north side. I lived in a cottage on the water only about 8 feet from the channel’s edge. You can imagine my excitement when the whales made their way past my place. Deeply connected to their spirit and sound, I could hear them from a distance when they were nearing the cottage. They spoke to me! I would speed to the shore and bellow in the loudest voice trying to speak their language. On Guemes, I didn’t have to worry what people would think. I fit!
