Tidal Striations

The relentless patience of the sea lives in this work. Tidal Striations layers authentic Atlantic coast sediments into thick acrylic mediums, creating a textured chronicle of lunar cycles and erosion. Each ridge records the artist’s monthly pilgrimages to document a single Maine cove’s changing shoreline.

Material Witness

Lunar ledger: 28 vertical bands (one per moon cycle) with embedded tide charts

Salvaged elements: Crushed periwinkle shells, beach glass particulate, and dock wood charcoal

Binder alchemy: Acrylic blended with salt-resistant marine varnish

Surface Archaeology

The 24×36″ deep-edge canvas reveals different narratives at varying distances:

10 feet away: A rhythmic grayscale study

Arm’s length: Exposed sediment strata and nautical chart fragments

Fingertip close: Tiny wax-sealed vials of seawater from extreme tides

Installation Notes

Best lit obliquely to exaggerate topographic shadows

Includes calibrated humidity monitor for sediment preservation

Ships with tide calculation chart for your location

Collector’s Annex

Bound field notes from the shoreline documentation process

Unprocessed sediment from each collection date (12 vials)

Custom brass plaque engraved with your coordinates’ tide tables

Preservation

While the acrylic matrix stabilizes the organic materials, occasional (decadal) conservator inspection is recommended. The work will naturally develop micro-fissures mirroring coastal mudflats—a feature, not flaw.