Live Encounters Magazine Volume Two November-December 2024.
Myriad Moods of The Arabian Sea, photo feature by Gopika Nath.
“The sea is emotion incarnate. It loves, hates, and weeps. It defies all attempts to capture it
with words…… No matter what you say about it, there is always that which you can’t.”
― Christopher Paolini, Eragon
Walking along the coastline, observing facets of the Arabian sea, I have felt a parallel in the proclivity of her tendencies and human nature. Where, the visual seascape presents intangible nuances, more evocative than words can describe.
Water is an essential component of the human body and of the planet. The sea, as a dynamic force of this element inspires Robinson Jeffers to suggest “The tides are in our veins” and John Masfield says “I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide/Is a wild call…that may not be denied…”. Thus, proposing that the sea isn’t extraneous, but integral to our being, alluding to the idea that emotions disturbing the ‘water’ within, must echo the tides weaving in and out of the shore. Churning within skin, organs and bones– generating and reflecting feelings.
Emotional geography studies sentiments that arise in response to geographical locales. However, I have creatively interpreted this to express the topography of human emotions.
The philosopher Seneca compared emotions to the rampage of a sea storm – evoking anger, revenge, doubt and uncertainty. I see subtler nuances of the same feelings, in the gentler waves that kiss the shores. In these images, I present a few that simulate quiet intensity, restrained rage and apprehension.
© Gopika Nath
Gopika Nath is a textile artist-craftsman who stitches and writes, threading her syllables into poetry, creative non-fiction and art reviews, where her art practice provides a mirror to the self. Using nature as a catalyst to go within and re-look at her life and human nature with a renewed perspective – deeply inspired by her observations of life along the western coastline of the Arabian Sea. A photography enthusiast and avid photographer, the camera in an important tool in her art practice and the photographed image an adjunct to art works that are crocheted, knitted and embroidered. A Fulbright Scholar, alumnus of Central St. Martins School of Art and Design [UK], Gopika lives and works in Goa, India.
Beautiful textures of the see almost like your artwork or vice verse your observations and thoughts are deeply embedded and interpreted n your work Gopika.
Thank you Samia
It was really worth reading and relating the relation of your walk and your works dear Gopika. Its like a marriage of two experiences. My best wishes.
Thank you Anandmoy
Wow, it’s a nice read and the photos are very unique. The textures they represent could be translated to beautiful artworks. Nature has so much to offer. I recently visited a beach and observed the patterns the water formed on sand. It was a beautiful experience. Keep up the good work!
Thank you Samia
Beautiful expression of your connection to the element of Water and more so your own emotions. May you ride the waves with ease and grace always ! ❤️
Thank you Aishwarya
Beautiful photographs…. Yes the sea within and without, we r three quaters water like the planet & both of us are controlled by the moon …