Standing Tall

Watercolor Painting
on 100% cotton, cold-pressed watercolor paper
14" x 11" 

Anyone who lives in St. Croix knows about the historic Hams Bluff Lighthouse on the northwest side of the island. It's always a mixed state of emotions when you get to the top of the hill where the lighthouse sits: a rusted, damaged, dilapidated structure full of graffiti and a crunchy layer of rust on the ground. The hills around the lighthouse hold an important historical significance to the island: Maroon Ridge, named after the fact that the area was a stronghold of escaped/marooned slaves back in the days. 

I named this piece "Standing Tall" taking into account all of the above. This structure, despite its damage, is still beautiful. Persevering daily against the harsh environmental conditions, proudly existing on top of the hill. A landmark to the surrounding sacred area remembering the marooned slaves and the price they paid for freedom.