Next Wave | Kelp Farmer
Oil on Canvas 30 × 40 framed
“Next Wave”: A Tribute to Maine’s Evolving Coastline
Please See This in Person at the Freeport Oyster Bar
Next Wave is a nod to our state's shifting seascape. While lobster traps and buoys will always be emblematic of Maine’s working waterfront, there’s a new tide rising: aquaculture. Kelp, seaweed, oysters, and mussels are increasingly vital to the future of our coastal economy and our marine ecosystems. These sustainable crops aren’t just nourishing our communities—they’re helping to filter our waters, restore habitats, and diversify income for those who work the coast.
The most common question I get is, “Who is it?” And while some folks think they recognize her, the truth is more layered. The figure is a composite—built from various photos, gestures, and snapshots I’ve gathered over time. Net Wave isn’t a portrait of a single person, but rather a symbolic homage to the many women who are part of this “next wave” of marine stewards.
Yes, women.
One of the things I adore most about this movement is the rise in women-owned and women-led aquaculture farms, especially in and around Casco Bay. These women are smart, driven, and deeply connected to the water. They’re scientists, entrepreneurs, farmers, and community builders. Through Next Wave, I wanted to celebrate their grit and grace. Their quiet strength. Their command of this new chapter in Maine’s maritime story..
For those unfamiliar with this part of Maine’s story, I hope the painting of pulling in kelp sparks curiosity. For those who know it intimately, I hope it feels like recognition. This piece isn’t just art—it’s a love letter to the future of our coast.
My Oil Painting Process: Iconic Wolfe’s Neck
Every painting has its turning point—that quiet moment when the chaos of brushstrokes, color palettes, and compositional puzzles begins to come together. For Next Wave, that moment arrived unexpectedly during a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Standing in front of the work of Winslow Homer, I found myself both humbled and reinvigorated.
Homer’s coastal scenes—so rooted in Maine, so unflinchingly powerful—spoke to something I was trying to achieve in Next Wave. His ability to elevate the sea itself into a central character resonated deeply. I took particular note of his use of muted darks, how he allowed the landscape to step aside so the ocean could take center stage. The humans in his paintings are often solitary and strong. I never set out to channel Homer directly. My work doesn’t aim to capture the same moodiness or drama, but rather to layer in beauty and reverence.
One of the unexpected challenges in painting Next Wave was the kelp itself. In reality, kelp isn’t exactly what most would call beautiful. In photographs, it often appears as tangled, wet masses—muddy olives, murky browns, and slick textures that can easily be read as drab or uninviting. As an artist who leans into vibrant color and expressive brushwork, I found myself wrestling with how to honor the presence of kelp without letting the painting sink into a palette of dull, neutral muck.
Up close and in the right light, it shimmers. There’s translucency and movement. Warm golds and deep greens are hiding beneath its surface. My goal wasn’t to render kelp literally, but to capture its essence. Balancing this meant layering oil glazes to build depth and sheen, playing with cool tones and subtle light reflections to suggest slipperiness and vitality without over-defining it. The real breakthrough came when I stopped trying to paint kelp and instead painted what kelp feels like.
What To Do in the Freeport Area Around Kelp
As a sea kayak guide for L.L. Bean’s Outdoor Discovery Program, I spend a lot of time on the water—and the more I learn about Maine’s growing kelp industry, the more fascinated I become. I’m all in on being a lifelong learner when it comes to the ocean’s offerings, especially this beautiful, nutrient-rich seaweed that’s quietly transforming our coast. From tasting, testing, and trying kelp in all its forms to sharing what I’ve discovered with curious paddlers, I can’t wait to keep diving deeper—figuratively and literally—into this “next wave” of coastal culture. Here are a few fun ways you can join in the kelp-curiosity right here in Freeport!
Dine at Freeport Oyster Bar – Enjoy a true taste of the sea at this local gem, where kelp from nearby aquaculture farms is thoughtfully woven into several dishes. From kelp butter to seaweed salads, the menu celebrates Maine’s coastal harvest with creativity and care.
Celebrate at Maine’s Oyster Festival – Held annually in Freeport, this lively event showcases the best of Maine’s aquaculture scene, including oysters and kelp. Enjoy tastings, cooking demos, and conversations with the farmers behind the food.
Get Kelp-Curious at Local Markets – Don’t be surprised if you fall in love with kelp chips, seaweed seasonings, or a Maine-made kelp face mask. Local shops and Freeport’s Maker’s on Maine (first Saturdays during the season) are full of creative, seaweed-infused goodies that might just convert even the most skeptical landlubber. Try something new—you might find your new favorite snack or skincare secret came straight from Casco Bay!
