Wild Coast Series, Paintings 2023-ongoing
Beginning in the spring of 2023 Mark began painting from his coastal sea kayak journeys along the wild coastal areas of Nova Scotia. These small 6x8 inch oil sketches are the principle body of work that will be used to paint larger pieces that attempt to record the wild coast of the province in contemporary times. This work is a testament to the remaining coastal wilderness of Nova Scotia but also somewhat of a voice calling out for its protection as the marine environment experiences significant change through human encroachment and climate change.
“During my kayaking trips I have experienced breathtaking natural moments in nature that have given me pause to consider the incredible intrinsic value of the marine ecosystems, meaning that what I come to understand is that these places have a value unto themselves, they are important because they are simply there. Much work has been undertaken to limit species loss in Nova Scotia through a growing network of land based protected areas and I feel that the frontier of this work lies now in protection of coastal areas. My work here looks to express both depth of experience and also the fragility of the marine environment as I understand it.”
Mark Brennan
February 2024
The hope is to eventually exhibit this work publicly to bring some small recognition to these incredible places. Below is a selection from this series.
