Ahhhh... Imagine the infinite joy of sharing a discovery with children and grandchildren, students, spouses, siblings, friends and lovers, that will change everyone's beach-walking experiences forever! On one of our visits a number of years ago to Prouts Neck, Maine, my wife discovered a bit of seaweed fortuitously shaped like a bird, and called out to me to see it. I was at a distance from her, as ever with a camera, but couldn't get to her soon enough to beat the incoming tide that had immediately swept it away. But, thanks to her observation, I thus began an endless archeological exploration of other fascinating seaweed shapes.
They appeared to resemble prehistoric creatures, such as living seaweed wildlife and human-like forms. It was a revelation! They undulated, and slowly moved to the rhythm of the waves and tides that eternally flowed forward and back, assuming shapes of dinosaurs, endless species of animals and beasts, both real and imagined; birds, giant insects, fish, fire-spewing dragons, critters, ballet dancers, warriors, faces, yes, even "fashion" models; an endless parade over many miles, allowing one's imagination to run freely. I actually thought I was even hearing them.
It occurred to me that even Charles Darwin might have linked this seaweed to animal life many millions of years before, as they evolved into those living seaweed beings we walked amongst. Of course, it was the survival of the fittest that they were even there, flourishing on these rugged Maine beaches.
The varieties of seaweed were all photographed precisely as found on the two beaches. It would have been unacceptable and dishonest for me to have disturbed them. As an artist, I then rendered and transformed the seaweedosaurs into vivid, vibrant color detail in my studio, as I imagined they appeared in nature when having first evolved in the early development of our planet. Again, other than color, they were undisturbed.
I only wish I could've shared them with artist Winslow Homer, who once, many years before, had his home and studio on the rugged cliffs adjacent to the Prouts Neck Beach. I "felt" his arm around my shoulder as we slowly strolled along, looking for the next seaweed dinosaur discovery. It's uncanny how one's imagination can get the best of you.
And even with Charles Darwin, had he been with me (but of course, he was, as well). My discoveries may have led to changes in the direction of evolution and American art. Do try to identify them all. There are no rights and wrongs. All observations are valid and wonderful, and the most enlightening, exciting fun.
Enjoy your nature walks on your "Seaweed Dinosaurs" beaches. Don't forget to rub your sore necks and stretch your backs, while stretching your imagination.
