Publications.
"The Ocean in Art, Literature, and Poetry"
for All Sports Magazine
"All Sports Magazine is a vintage-infused digital magazine that pays tribute to sports and art, and tries to break the wall between them" (ASM, 2021). The goal is to create a well-informed, well-motivated, and well-connected community.
(All Sports Magazine, 2021).
My first publication was my first experience as a Social Media Writer for the magazine. This brief article explores the role that the ocean plays in art, literature, and poetry.
Read my article below:
The Ocean in Art, Literature, and Poetry
The human relationship to the ocean is one of great value. The ocean offers us paradoxical wisdom as it is sometimes still, giving us peace and tranquility with waves that are merely melodious—in other instances, the ocean reminds us of its limitless power and rage, with monstrous crashing waves. It may also serve as a playing ground: some surf, sail, swim and ski. To others, the sea offers a place to simply sit and sort their thoughts. In any case, the sea offers us endless possibilities. That precious ocean blue hue has inspired artists, novelists, and poets since the beginning of time.
Art: The Great Wave off Kanagawa
also known as The Great Wave, from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji
artist: Katsushika Hokusai, Japan
The great wave is arguably one of the world’s most iconic pieces of Asian art—one which has inspired pop culture immensely, as it is often portrayed in murals, clothing, and even music. The genius responsible for this masterful woodblock print is Hokusai, a superb Japanese illustrator and painter of the 19th Century.
The magnificent wave is depicted with great theatricality and in its full effect, just as it is about to crash. This scene portrays the irresistible yet compelling force of chaos and nature, one that surpasses any and all efforts made by man. In contrast, Mount Fuji in the background represents stillness and serenity.
Literature: The Old Man and the Sea
The timeless presence of the American legend Ernest Hemingway comes to life in his short novel, The Old Man and the Sea. This 1951 novel tells the story of Santiago, an aged and tired fisherman who embarks on an 84-day fishing expedition. His misfortune burdens him until one day he finally catches a marlin so incredibly large that Santiago is unable to pull him—instead, the fish pulls his boat and drags him across the sea. As Santiago is fearful of the marlin getting away by tying the fishing line to his boat, he endures great physical pain all over his body with the line on his shoulders. Eventually, through many difficulties, the fisherman returns home and receives much praise for his catch as well as satisfaction due to his now evident strength and vitality despite his old age.
In this novel, Hemingway sheds light on the power of facing obstacles in isolation and especially in the sea. The latter also serves a great symbolic purpose in the development of the story, since a place as boundless and infinite as the sea offers no aid, rules, or guidance whatsoever.
At the end of the novel we learn that the sea symbolizes life’s trials and mishaps, but it also symbolizes its beauty and glory.
Poetry: The Ody(Sea) - A Great Man’s Journey and His Ties to the Sea
The Odyssey is Homer’s epic poem narrating the tales of Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, who sails the Mediterranean Sea for ten years in an effort to return home to his family after the Trojan War. In these years, Odysseus encounters mythical creatures and battles monsters, all whilst facing the curse of Poseidon, god of the Sea.
In this epic poem, the Sea is one of the most outstanding and recurring symbols that represents life, and its boundless possibilities. After all, the Sea represents a great man’s journey and his endurance through what seems like endless trials.
The Sea appears to be the greatest barrier between Odysseus and his beloved, one which may be interpreted as the source of great pain and suffering. However, it is also the means by which he may return home to Ithaca.
The Sea may present many trials, but it may also bring us a great sense of continuity, possibility, and opportunity—eventually, like Odysseus, it leads us back home.
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