Post 4 - Homelands
December 17, 2022
Introduction
For a period of 6 years I was living in eastern Canada. I had only gone back to visit home a few times, and with the world crisis of 2020 looming, I was nostalgic about my roots. I began this project titled, Homelands, to reconnect with the natural environment which held me for the first 18 years of my life, and to help me process my homesickmess and social isolation.
As a part of the drawing process and effect, I felt it appropriate to draw my native region on a large surface to evoke a sense of connection and to envelop me in comfort. Upon further reflection, the tracing paper on which it is drawn appears as a fog or a blurry memory.
Punto de Los Reyes (2020)
A Deep Connection
Even though I worked on this piece nearly 3 years ago, I have now come to understand that there lies a sacred force there hidden in the land. People have many names for such spiritual powers, however, I just simply call it the ‘force’.
In this region, there are few people and far, spread out towns when they do appear. Generally, it is home to many large cattle farms and rural wide open spaces. When I am in the area I feel a decompression and a sort of reconnecting to an innate sense within. When I roam about this land, I feel this force gently and kindly holding me. Being here was, is, and always will be a timeless experience which I hold deeply treasured.
Punto de Los Reyes – Ten Mile Beach section (2020)
Tomales Point
The Tomales Point peninsula is a geographical feature that will always stay burning deep in the recesses of my mind; it is visible from every point in my hometown. I saw it everyday of my life on the coast. It still fascinates me how it appears still, yet creeps north at about 2 inches (5cm) a year. It is also a visible edge of the eastern most part of the Pacific’s tectonic plate; the famous San Andreas fault continues along the length of Tomales bay and beyond.
Punto de Los Reyes – Tomales Bay & Dillon Beach (2020)
My homelands – a closing poem
Its eastern Pacific coastal beauty attracts many visitors from far and wide to a land sustained by a cold, salty heartbeat. Its small town stands guard at the mouth of the bay, which is swallowed by an ever northern creeping peninsula. A silent, peaceful film of presence rests lightly upon the far stretching wetlands, through the inclining sand dunes, and just beyond the endless rolling hills. It is a land of testing elements like deep fog and coarse winds.
Its wet, cold air surrounds and sinks deep into the bones of all its prey. However, for those of who persist and prevail, they will be rewarded with tender, caressing sunsets. But thou do not be deceived, its charm will test your faith and what you know to be true.
-Garrett Porter
Self-portrait – child of the two faults (2020)