Struggle emerged out of the experience of watching sea turtles, recently hatched, begin their mad dash for the sea out of their sand-hole nests at the Cape Lookout National Seashore during my stay there as one of thirteen artists-in-residence and guests of the National Park Service, as referred to in a previous painting. This painting was also informed, many years ago, by my then 7-year-old son’s intense interest in the “Ranger Rick Magazine” and wildlife in general. It was Nicholas who alerted my husband and me, while on a South Carolina beach, of the urgent need for us to carry the newly hatched turtles on the beach to the relative safety of the surf. It seems that Ranger Rick had clued Nick in on the numerous predators, particularly ghost crabs and raccoons, of the baby turtles. It was the beginning of our ensuing wonder, as Nicholas’ parents, of his ability to awaken us to the mysteries of life as seen through the eyes of a particularly keen child. This painting is owned by Idana Hamilton.
Ellen Elmes
PO Box SVCC
Richlands, VA 24641-1101
email: ellen.elmes@sw.edu
phone: 276.964.7205
fax: 276.964.7720