These weathered rowboats form an abstract image of many different colors and patterns
As we moved from point to point of coastal Maine, there were several constants. In virtually every village we would see lobster boats, weathered houses, white steepled churches, and lighthouses. Another constant was rowboats or skiffs. Fishermen use these boats to move back and forth between their fishing boats at anchor out in the harbor and the docks near where they park their trucks or near their homes. I began to look for scenes featuring the skiffs hoping I could find a group that would represent the image I had already visualized in my mind.
Many of the docks we would see had these colorful rowboats tethered in rows or in a cluster. They reminded me of a faithful dog lying on the front porch awaiting the return of his master. If the lobster boats were out for the day, the boats would be tethered to a buoy in the harbor marking the spot where the lobster boat would return after a day at sea. If the rowboats were at the dock, it meant that the lobster boats were through for the day.
Corea, Maine was no exception. Since we were there in mid to late-afternoon, the rowboats were tied to cleats on the dock. This group of rowboats caught my eye because of the weathering apparent in the wood and fiberglass of each boat. I also like the variety of colors and the way the shadows fall along the lines of the boats. The ropes and anchor points add to the abstract nature of the image.
As I mentioned yesterday, Corea is a beautiful, unspoiled Maine fishing village. As I work back through the images I took last fall, I begin to appreciate anew just how special it is. Hopefully it stays that way until I can visit again.
Rick Holliday 