Waves of Time: Memories of Gateway

The  Sandy Hook Lighthouse stands tall in the upper left, a symbol of guidance and protection that has been serving mariners since 1764. This is the oldest working lighthouse in the United States, a fact that immediately struck me as I began creating this piece. The lighthouse represents safety amidst the vastness of the sea, a constant beacon through generations. It is a reminder that, even as time passes and the world changes, some things remain steadfast, providing light and direction when needed most.  

Below, the  beach scene with lifeguards introduces a layer of human connection to the natural world. The beachgoers, under the watchful eyes of the lifeguards, represent moments of joy, relaxation, and human care. Sandy Hook Beach, part of the larger Gateway National Recreation Area, has long been a place where people come to escape, to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. The lifeguard chair, elevated and prominent, adds to the sense of safety and protection, much like the lighthouse but in a more personal, immediate way. This juxtaposition between leisure and history invites reflection on how different generations interact with the same landscapes.  

Next, we find  Fort Hancock , a military installation that once served as part of the coastal defense system, protecting New York Harbor. Built in the late 19th century, Fort Hancock evokes a sense of strength and defense. Now, it stands as a historical monument, quiet but full of stories from the past. Its weathered walls remind me of the enduring passage of time, and how the landscape itself holds the memories of those who served there, defending the coastline. Fort Hancock is a powerful symbol of resilience, and its presence in this artwork honors the fort's role in American military history.  

The  Verrazano-Narrows Bridge , stretching across the water, represents the modern era’s engineering achievements, connecting the urban world with the natural beauty of the Gateway area. Completed in 1964, this bridge is more than just a crossing—it’s a symbol of human ambition and the desire to connect people and places. In this artwork, it serves as a link between the natural and man-made elements, a physical manifestation of progress and unity. To me, the bridge speaks to the idea that no matter how far we advance, we are always tied to the landscapes we come from, just as Sandy Hook is tied to both its natural beauty and its historical significance.  

The  rocks and seascape create a grounding effect, symbolizing the timeless, enduring nature of the coast. The rocks, weathered by time and tide, speak to the resilience of nature, even as human hands build structures and civilizations around it. The way the water meets the shore feels like a metaphor for the constant flow of time—sometimes gentle, sometimes turbulent, but always moving forward. I included this element to remind viewers that nature remains an unchanging force amidst all the human activity that surrounds it.  

As I chose the  purple and pink hues to dominate the composition, I was drawn to the emotional impact these colors evoke. Purple, with its ties to royalty and mysticism, adds a sense of majesty and introspection to the piece. It feels like the color of history—dignified, thoughtful, and full of depth. Meanwhile, the  pink hues introduce a sense of warmth, tenderness, and transition, like the soft glow of a sunset over the horizon. These colors together suggest the peaceful coexistence of human history and nature’s eternal presence, as well as the beauty found in the blending of past and present.  

When creating this artwork, I reflected deeply on the role that places like  Gateway National Recreation Area play in our lives. They are spaces where history lingers, where nature’s beauty offers solace, and where people come to enjoy moments of peace and connection. Yet, these places are also shaped by the hands of time—lighthouses are built, forts rise and fall, bridges are constructed, and the shoreline remains constant. This interplay of forces—nature, history, and human progress—is what inspired me to create this piece.  

I wanted to capture the feeling that every time you visit a place like Gateway, you are stepping into a story that began long before you and will continue long after. The waves, the sun, the rocks, and the buildings all bear witness to the endless flow of time, and this piece serves as a reminder that we are all part of that continuum. By blending these elements together, I aimed to evoke a sense of connection to the land, the history, and the people who have passed through, leaving their mark on both the earth and the stories it holds.  

Ultimately, "Waves of Time: Memories of Gateway" is not just an artwork about a place—it’s about the layers of life, time, and memory that converge in such places, offering us a space to reflect on the past while enjoying the beauty of the present.