Robert Brennan’s ‘Restless Eye’ Explores the Sea
Robert Brennan, an artist whose “restless eye” has long delved into the heretofore undiscovered aspects of our world, now invites us to journey with him “From the Other Deck.” While his poetry collection, “From the Deck,” (available at Greiser’s and Amazon) explored the rich tapestry of both land and sea, this chapter of the exhibit at Greiser’s focuses primarily on Brennan’s vision of the sea.
The first chapter of this artistic odyssey, from March through June, showcased the grounded majesty of Easton’s landscapes — a masterful charcoal tree and a collection of pastels and watercolors celebrating arboreal forms.
Now, the tide has turned. With the exception of a single, outstanding landscape, the current display immerses us entirely in the marine realm, a world intimately known to Brennan from the deck of his cherished sloop, the Christopher Robin, and his summers spent on the storied shores of Cape Cod.
These are not merely paintings; they are glimpses through a lens honed by years of observation. You’ll find yourself adrift, gazing from the water at the very entrance to the Connecticut River, or transported to the near-surreal beauty of Cape Cod’s shifting sand dunes.
Brennan’s profound respect for the sea and the fishermen who navigate its challenges is evident in his sensitive portrayals of fishing trawlers, their sturdy forms anchored in the historically rich harbors of Provincetown, Wellfleet, and Orleans, tracing the enchanted coastline of Cape Cod.
Yet, Brennan’s Restless Eye transcends the specific. Here, too, are works of a more universal nature. “The Dark Sea” could be any tumultuous expanse; its brooding power echoed in the rich, deep, blue-black clouds through which the sun breaks over bay waters. This inherent contrast, this duality of sea and land, echoes the very core of Brennan’s poetic exploration in “From the Deck,” where he finds reflections of life’s own inherent contradictions.
Beyond the framed narratives adorning the walls, a collection of professionally matted watercolors awaits, available in various sizes and prices, ready to find their own prominence within your space.
All lovers of discovery are invited to visit Greiser’s Coffee and Market during their open hours. Discover not only a place of delectable food and uncommon place to browse but also a peaceful sanctuary where art can nourish your soul. And mark your calendars: an announcement for Brennan’s next poetry reading is anticipated for Thursday, Sept. 25, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Greiser’s Coffee and Market, 299 Center Road, Easton Connecticut 06612, 203-220-9424.
