Blue Sea Rising Frank Howell

The artwork presents a figure enveloped in a luminous blue aura against a stark black background. The central subject appears to be a person with indigenous features; their face is rendered with a quiet intensity, eyes directed downwards, suggesting introspection or perhaps sorrow. Long, flowing hair, also depicted in shades of blue, cascades around the individual, blending seamlessly into the surrounding light.
A significant element within the composition is the presence of feathers. Numerous feathers drift and fall from the figure’s hair and clothing, creating a visual sense of release and fragility. Their placement suggests both a connection to nature and a symbolic shedding of burdens or constraints. The feathers are not uniformly distributed; they cluster in certain areas, drawing attention to specific points within the composition and contributing to an overall feeling of movement.
The color palette is dominated by cool tones – blues and blacks – which evoke feelings of melancholy, vastness, and perhaps even spirituality. The limited range of colors contributes to a dreamlike quality, distancing the subject from immediate reality. The stark contrast between the luminous figure and the dark background emphasizes their isolation while simultaneously highlighting their ethereal nature.
The artist’s technique seems to favor smooth blending and soft edges, which further enhances the sense of fluidity and otherworldliness. There is an absence of harsh lines or sharp angles; everything appears to flow together, creating a unified visual experience. The composition suggests themes of spiritual connection, loss, resilience, and the enduring power of cultural heritage. It’s possible to interpret the work as a meditation on identity, memory, and the relationship between humanity and the natural world.