“Being-with”, more so than a idealized, unreachable alternate universe, or a detached, mechanized domination over Nature, describes a way of the individual within the shared existence of all creatures and forms that describe Life without any certainty of knowing All (Adam Nicholson, “Life Between the Tides”). “Being-with” , with its aspect of being present in a shared existence, represents the experience of creating as central to the artist’s ability in taking part of the Eternal ebb and flow of Life itself.
I picked up the recently published book “Life Between the Tides” from seeing a color photo of a tidal pool that accompanied a book review. The tidal pool was filled with a mesmerizing, colorful variety of sea creatures that inhabited it, which reminded me of encountering a tidal pool on the coast of California near Santa Barbara during a visit a few years ago. The beauty of that tidal pool was unforgettable. I was fascinated by its completeness and “place” within the world at large, a microcosm of the larger world. It was with great anticipation that I would be able to read from an expert enthusiast on these types of environments. It has definitely enriched my understanding of the tidal pools and their existence, as well as being a very well researched and written book. It has also given me hope in the process of painting and drawing as a way simply to be.
