Sunsets and a smartphone: the unlikely origins of Cape Light Art
I am a recent addition to Cape Cod’s roster of working artists, and that is a surprise, especially to me. It wasn’t supposed to be this way. Me, a mixed media artist? Until two years ago, I didn’t even own a paint brush. Can the power of a place change one man’s path? Can paint inspire hope? This is the curious story of my side hustle.
Three years ago, in March 2020, Massachusetts and the world were quickly descending into darkness. Each pandemic day and night brought more misery. Like many, I found myself working remotely, socially distancing, and longing for better days ahead.
I also found myself on the Outer Cape, with dining rooms, barrooms, and attractions all shuttered. That Spring, the nightly sunset became the can’t miss event. Beach parking lots were open, and at twilight, they rocked with pandemic-weary folks looking for a moment of inspiration. As the sun dipped below the horizon, and the water-reflected light indulged us in brilliant color displays, we cheered. Breaking the monotony of pandemic lockdowns, unsettled weather conditions ensured that no two nightly spectaculars were the same. Documenting each sunset on my Android phone camera, I became obsessed with Cape Cod’s magical light.
One of my many beach sunset photos
As 2020 turned into 2021, I decided to spruce up my home office by printing some of my sunset photos on canvas. Looking at the beautiful results, I turned a critical eye toward my work. I felt that my photos captured Cape Cod’s lovely light, but they did not communicate its energy. Missing were the simple things that gave me hope during pandemic days: boats sailing, dogs playing, wildlife on land and at sea, persevering in spite of everything. I wanted my art to inspire viewers with some of that hope and even to provide a reminder of simple pleasures.
Greg Ayres. Picnic Light. 2021
So that’s my mission: creating art that inspires through celebration of light, life and movement. Through experimentation, I have discovered (and continue to discover) new ways to make my photographs and acrylic paintings shine and come to life. Through Stewart Clifford Gallery, I have found an audience. Now, I hope to share my journey through this blog, and I hope you will generously share your inspirations as well.
