The dory as a muse

Roger Wheeler Lifeguard Dory

Roger Wheeler Lifeguard Dory 04Lifeguard Dory on the sand at Roger Wheeler State Beach gazing over Point Judith Harbor of Refuge. Narragansett, Rhode Island

A simple lifeguard dory on the beach. It is interesting how one thing may be seen in several different ways. Yet, these differing views are simultaneous.

Here I see the dory as a boat. There was a writer and builder at known as John Gardner (his books are published by Mystic Seaport Museum). What I like about his writing is that he makes one think that they can build a dory on their own.

Here is a truth. Dories, historically, were built by common builders along the shore. They are an accessible design. With a few skills and a little experience, people like you and I can build these boats. In fact, I have built dories and have taught high school aged young adults to build them. And therein is an appreciation of the vessel design.

Then there is the artistic view. As I look at the blue water and sky, I see Andrew Wyeth's inspiration. As I turn with the Block Island Ferry in the orange western sky, I see Edward Hopper's New England muse.

And finally, I see something more. I see what I can do with these views and all that they have to say. And I have taken both physical viewpoints, stirred in a bit of knowledge of the boat's build and purpose, and wrote poems about both. And those will be published at another point as part of a collection.

Roger Wheeler Lifeguard Dory 01Lifeguard Dory on the sand at Roger Wheeler State Beach gazing over Point Judith Harbor of Refuge. Narragansett, Rhode Island Roger Wheeler Lifeguard Dory 02Lifeguard Dory on the sand at Roger Wheeler State Beach gazing over Point Judith Harbor of Refuge. Narragansett, Rhode Island Roger Wheeler Lifeguard Dory 03Lifeguard Dory on the sand at Roger Wheeler State Beach gazing over Point Judith Harbor of Refuge. Narragansett, Rhode Island Roger Wheeler Lifeguard Dory 04Lifeguard Dory on the sand at Roger Wheeler State Beach gazing over Point Judith Harbor of Refuge. Narragansett, Rhode Island

Watchful Roger Wheeler Lifeguard Dory 01Late in the afternoon, a lifeguard Dory sits on Roger Wheeler State Beach as people pass. The Block Island Ferry arrives in the distance. Narragansett, Rhode Island Watchful Roger Wheeler Lifeguard Dory 02Late in the afternoon, a lifeguard Dory sits on Roger Wheeler State Beach as people pass. The Block Island Ferry arrives in the distance. Narragansett, Rhode Island Watchful Roger Wheeler Lifeguard Dory 03Late in the afternoon, a lifeguard Dory sits on Roger Wheeler State Beach as people pass. The Block Island Ferry arrives in the distance. Narragansett, Rhode Island Watchful Roger Wheeler Lifeguard Dory 04Late in the afternoon, a lifeguard Dory sits on Roger Wheeler State Beach as people pass. The Block Island Ferry arrives in the distance. Narragansett, Rhode Island Watchful Roger Wheeler Lifeguard Dory 05Late in the afternoon, a lifeguard Dory sits on Roger Wheeler State Beach as people pass. The Block Island Ferry arrives in the distance. Narragansett, Rhode Island Watchful Roger Wheeler Lifeguard Dory 06Late in the afternoon, a lifeguard Dory sits on Roger Wheeler State Beach as people pass. The Block Island Ferry arrives in the distance. Narragansett, Rhode Island Watchful Roger Wheeler Lifeguard Dory 07Late in the afternoon, a lifeguard Dory sits on Roger Wheeler State Beach as people pass. The Block Island Ferry arrives in the distance. Narragansett, Rhode Island Watchful Roger Wheeler Lifeguard Dory 08Late in the afternoon, a lifeguard Dory sits on Roger Wheeler State Beach as people pass. The Block Island Ferry arrives in the distance. Narragansett, Rhode Island

Watchful Roger Wheeler Lifeguard Dory

Watchful Roger Wheeler Lifeguard Dory 08Late in the afternoon, a lifeguard Dory sits on Roger Wheeler State Beach as people pass. The Block Island Ferry arrives in the distance. Narragansett, Rhode Island

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