On the eastern coast of Australia, the mighty Pacific Ocean waves
come onto the beaches in groups or 'sets' (as the board-riders call
them) of about half a dozen. The last wave, which in a big set is often
referred to as the 'Seventh Wave'. Coincidentally this is a term from
Welsh Celtic mythology in the legend of the birth of the goddess
Bloddwynn. The Greek goddess Aphrodite was also born from the foam of
the waves.
There seems to be an unconscious link between waves and creation.
The wave appears to be a primaeval symbol in the human mind. A branch
of mathematics called catastrophe theory, which deals with how systems
change from one state to another, resolves multi-dimensional formulae
into 3 dimensions in the form of a wave.
This painting also owes a little to an Australian film made many years
ago by director Peter Weir, called 'The Last Wave', which creates a
pseudo-Aboriginal myth of a giantic wave of destruction.
This wave is the opposite of destruction. It is a great wave of
primaeval creation. From its foam early life forms appear, thrown up
onto an ancient beach. The moon always features in our dreams as a
water symbol, and appears in this painting. The wave of creation is a
rare coming - it is 'once in a blue moon.'
Oil on canvas. 32in x 26in (approx).
Copyright (c) Helen Duley 2004