In these works, Candyss contemplates the paradox of the ocean – after spending so much time underneath the ocean and at her home peering down at the ocean below, she is mesmerised by the constant motion, fluidity and strength of the waves, meditating on the poetry of how something so soft could model, chisel and erode the enduring rocks. While her contemporary coastal works are fresh, inspiring and serene, Candyss’ seascapes evoke the pulsating, sometimes even darker energy of the ocean drawing from her love of diving. Candyss has accomplished over 130 dives and this has had a huge impact on her work. Candyss’ semi-abstract coastal paintings seek to expose a delicate equilibrium between a sense of balance and visual calm and the tumult of painterly texture and surface tension. The play of light at the waters edge. The feeling of the translucent waves washing over the rocks and sand. The iridescent sparkling foam of the shoreline. The light through the clouds on the infinite horizon. Read More…

” I have lived by the sea since I was born on the coast of California, USA. I have been fortunate enough and am very grateful to have always lived by the ocean and I share a special connection with it. The ocean is my home – whether its swimming, body surfing, boating, snorkling, walking or diving underneath it – I can’t imagine living without it.

My walk or drive to work each day takes me past beautiful beaches – Fairlight, Manly, Freshwater and Curl Curl. I get up early to walk along the ocean shore: the sand under my feet, the light, the sound and energy of the waves, the smell of the sea, the fresh air and glistening colours inspire and invigorate me for the day. I stop to sketch on the sand or along the rockpools and quickly return to the studio to paint from memory using the loose sketch ideas to act as a returning point when necessary. I aim to relay the feelings of the inner peace and solitude I experience in or next to the ocean through my seascapes.

I really enjoy the fact that my paintings bring the ocean and underwater world into people’s homes reminding them of the importance of our special connection with the planet and keeping a healthy relationship with the wild natural sea. The awesome beauty of beaches, the sandstone rocks, dramatic stormy skies, the light and space of the Australian coast – all inspire us to tune into the essence of ourselves through silence and union with nature.

- Candyss Crosby