Swept Away, We Must Swim the Sea first emerged as an idea from hearing an Arrested Development tape years ago. After visiting Scotland and Ireland and learning of the displacement, heavy immigration, and general uprootedness of many Scots-Irish, particularly during the late 1700’s through the mid-1800’s, the song became in my mind a vivid representation of such a plight. The painting reflects on many peoples of ancient, third world, and modern cultures who have, against their will or because of circumstances, been “swept away” from their native cultures. The resolution of such uprooting seems to lie in the purposeful rerooting and redifining of one’s culture in the fabric of many cultures. This painting is owned by Debbie and Harry Sydow.
Ellen Elmes
PO Box SVCC
Richlands, VA 24641-1101
email: ellen.elmes@sw.edu
phone: 276.964.7205
fax: 276.964.7720