Guardians of the Waterway: The Flow of Time at Fort Matanzas

In this composition, I wanted to blend the strength of the stone walls with the flowing motion of time. The  cannon represents the fort’s readiness to defend against any threat, while the  turret stands as a sentinel, watching over the inlet, forever guarding the entrance to the past. These elements, while solid and enduring, are juxtaposed against the swirling, flowing background of rich blues and golds, symbolic of the passage of time and the ever-changing tides of history.  

The  blue hues I chose to surround the fort reflect the deep connection to the water that both protected and isolated the fort. Blue is often seen as a calming and peaceful color, but in this context, it carries an undercurrent of uncertainty, representing the unpredictable nature of the sea that once posed both a threat and a lifeline to the Spanish soldiers stationed here. The  golden yellows evoke the warmth of the sun, the timeless Florida sky, and the resilience of the fort under centuries of exposure to the elements.  

There is a profound symbolism in the flowing lines and colors surrounding the solid stone. History is not static, it flows around us, just like the water around the inlet. The fort stands firm, but the world around it is always in motion. This piece is a reflection on that passage of time and the stories contained within those old stone walls.  

As I worked on this piece, I was constantly thinking about the human stories—those who served here, the soldiers who manned the cannons, the builders who constructed the fort, and even the enemies who sought to breach its defenses. These walls have witnessed so much, and yet they remain—quiet, enduring, and part of the landscape.  

In a way, creating this artwork felt like honoring that quiet endurance, that patient witnessing of history as it unfolded. Fort Matanzas is more than a historical relic; it's a reminder that even in the face of change, some things stand resolute.  

This fort, part of  U.S. National Park Service , reminds us not just of battles long past but also of the perseverance needed to maintain and protect heritage. It's part of the ongoing story of America— a country forged in conflicts over territory and control. The use of flowing colors suggests that even though history is written, its impacts ripple through the present.  

Fort Matanzas was built by the Spanish in  1742 to protect the southern approach to St. Augustine, Florida, via the  Matanzas River . This fort was instrumental in the defense of St. Augustine during the Spanish colonial period. The fort is now part of the  U.S. National Park Service , preserving its legacy for future generations to understand the complex history of early America.  

In making this art, I wanted to weave together the past and present, history and nature, in a way that felt fluid and alive. The swirling colors—blue for the water, yellow for the sun—mimic the flow of time, the way history envelops us even as we stand firmly in the present. Fort Matanzas may seem small in the context of other historical sites, but it holds its own as a vital piece of American history. To me, this piece represents resilience, timelessness, and the enduring connection between land, water, and the human story.  

The blending of stone and water, cannon and clouds, evokes a sense of both protection and vulnerability. The history of Fort Matanzas is a reminder that no matter how fortified we think we are, change is inevitable, and yet, some structures—both physical and metaphorical—stand the test of time.