Sketchbook # 13: Sophie Balhetchet

The black cloud on the horizon (or is it a little closer than that) is the first thing, but then the parallel sun emerges while receding, the top and bottom of the painting come closer and the island is the stable intermediate point. Balhetchet’s work embodies the beautiful dream that we can stop time in a world of constant motion if we concentrate on being in the moment.

Positive and negative space and the near and the far battle for our attention: the rock wall and the sea view, the orchard and the grassy road, the fern and the sky, the fragile(?) plant and the rushing water.

“Be Here Now.”  Baba Ram Dass

—CNQ