Inspired by poetry: Mendelssohn’s symphonic seascape
In 1795 the famous German poet and author, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, wrote a pair of sea poems. Both are short. The first (Meeresstille, or Calm at Sea) consists of only eight lines; the second (Glückliche Fahrt, or The Prosperous Voyage), 10 lines. However, they would inspire Felix Mendelssohn to compose a captivating concert overture which borrowed the titles of Goethe’s poems and was first performed in 1828.
The mind’s eye: Five imaginary seascapes caught on camera
Fearing the paling of my imagination, I challenged myself by looking at an old concrete wall to try to find anything that resembled a seascape. The wall stands just a few feet outside my window. It is made of hollow blocks with no paint, just random coats of cement plaster. I looked and looked, my mind painting small seascapes on the rough canvas. After several days of wall-gazing, I came up with the following black & white photographs.
Eight great quotes about beginnings to ponder upon
Humans have an instinctive need to celebrate beginnings — New Year’s Day, the birth of a child, the launching of a newbuilding ship, etc. Such events do not only mark the start of something new. They evoke feelings of hope, which is the one essential quality that separates man from animals.
Sunrise at sea: Splendid art to greet the New Year
It is customary in many countries to usher in the new year with fireworks. The Chinese believe that they drive away evil spirits. Others simply love the sound and spectacle of the pyrotechnics. In lieu of all that, I’d like to share some paintings of sunrise at sea to welcome 2023. I hope that each one will give off good vibes to the readers of Marine Café Blog. Happy New Year!
The unique charm of bridges in traditional Japanese art
Bridges in Japanese art have a unique charm that stems from the traditional values and ideas held by the Japanese. Amongst them: the adoration of beauty; love for nature and its changing aspects; the transcience of life; social accord; and harmony with the universe. Looking at the following works of art, one feels a certain tranquility, the kind that comes from knowing one’s place in the larger scheme of things.
Beauty of bridges: An eyeful of standout photographs
Bridges are so commonplace that not very many people will pause to appreciate their beauty. Yet, even a simple wooden bridge can hold as much charm as a majestic lighthouse. Whatever their type or size, bridges are a testament to man’s creative instinct and ingenuity.
10 great quotes about self-confidence for seafarers
Not believing in one’s self and one’s abilities can be a problem especially for Third World ship officers and crews. Many are too diffident to assert their rights, and they often display a slavish attitude towards foreign senior officers. But even those who seem so sure of themselves may see their self-confidence eroded in the face of danger or extreme difficulties.
Maritime matters: A chat with Frankie the Sage Cat
Marine Café Blog had a post-Thanksgiving Day chat with Frankie the Sage Cat. As expected, he said a mouthful about maritime conferences, seafarer charities and other matters. For those not familiar with Frankie, he’s a real cat who understands humans in an uncanny way. He must be at least 12 years old now, but he still has a sharp mind.
‘Thanksgiving Day at Sea’: An old poem for modern times
I ran across a poem which I thought would be good to share with readers of Marine Café Blog, especially those who work at sea. ‘Thanksgiving Day at Sea’ was written by L. H. Sigourney (1791—1865), an American poet and schoolteacher. The poem is included in her 1850 book, Poems for the Sea. Although not particularly striking, it is worth reading because of its message and the prayer-like sincerity of the words.
A serving of art to celebrate U.S. Thanksgiving Day
Marine Café Blog is happy to greet its American readers a cordial Thanksgiving Day. In celebration of this event, which is observed every fourth Thursday of November in the United States, I’d like to share the following works of art from the 19th century. I hope that this limited selection will open for all the blog’s readers a window to American history and culture.
The beauty of bridges: An invitation to photographers
Marine Café Blog will be coming out with a special feature spotlighting the best photographs of bridges by its readers. I invite all photographers, amateur of professional, to submit their pictures for inclusion in the gallery. — BU
Love, sex and the seafarer: ‘The human element’ in art
I have always objected to the use of the term “the human element” to refer to seafarers. It not only sounds as cold as the periodic table of elements invented by the Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleev. More important, it objectifies seafarers and detracts from their humanity. The following works of art show just how human they are — no less driven by love and libido than the maritime bureaucrats and pedants who label them “the human element”.
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