Part Two
In my previous blog, I wrote about why rescuing ourselves and others from the noise, the chaos, and the frenzy of life is important. There are small ways to make a big impact on someone’s day: model patience, kindness, compassion, and generosity. I know that sounds sweet or hopelessly optimistic, but it’s how we care for others in this hard and harsh world.
Creative people are regular people. We just put our thoughts, feelings, and actions on display for all to see - think music, theater, art, and dance. We hope to touch a cord within you - to stir a memory, to transport you to another time or place, to hope and imagine, to dream. We encourage you to find your own creative outlets, passions, and communities.
I’ve been working really, really hard on my artistic vision. I’m learning how to tell a story, create curiosity, and make an impact. I’m going to continue digging deep to find my audience and refine my niche. I can proudly say that I sold a lot of original sailcloth art in 2025. A positive sign, I’m onto something?!
People ask how I got started making art with nautical sails. The obvious answer is my family loves being on and near the water, but the sails also remind me of an amazing nylon artist canvas I used early in my art career. Sadly, I think the company is no longer in business…I’ve been searching and can’t find it.
I started experimenting with painting on different sailcloths to see if I could recreate the texture I loved painting on so many years ago. It is divine help, luck, and curiosity that has propelled me deeper into creating with sails.
I am exploring the fundamental questions of what being a rescuer or being rescued means to me.* Below I have simplified the definitions.
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Rescuer: making a difference, having a deep sense of purpose and meaning.
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Rescued: giving freedom, hope, and opportunity.
On a creative level, I’ve discovered “WHO” I am rescuing. Moi, Me, Yours Truly.
Rescuing retired nautical sails has given me a unique voice, message, and purpose; it has unleashed my best and most creative art to date. Plus, this mixed-media journey totally incorporates body, mind, and spirit.
“WHEN” I show up in the studio, I am showing up for myself. I’m allowing myself to create. I’m not waiting for the “right time” or the perfect moment to begin. I’m done waiting for motivation to strike.
Here’s “HOW” this creative, pure, and embodied art mirrors sails, sailing, and the human spirit.
- Sails are strong, built for tension, flexibility, and motion (and they are fun to cut, rip, tear, and manipulate). Our bodies are built for movement!
- Sails are designed and engineered with incredible detail, ingenuity, and efficacy. It is fascinating to learn the intricacies of sailmaking, their unique roles on a boat, and how they handle weather conditions. Challenge your mind!
- Sails emulate the human spirit. Life has its ups and downs, its joys and sorrows. Weather the storms. Savor the sunshine!
Here’s two big reasons “WHY” I want to take this journey.
- Repurposing these materials honors the waterways and the previous journeys of these sails and those who loved and cherished them. I’m excited to reimagine their next voyage as a piece of art.
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Rescuing sails is a preventive, measurable action. We can prevent these materials from being discarded, neglected, or forgotten. I am not the first person to envision ways to repurpose nautical sails. Amazing sail-makers and companies are making a large-scale impact by repairing, reusing, and upcycling sails.
Environmental sustainability is one of the ways “I am called to engage in the world!” I cannot save them all, but I can be part of the solution.
You might ask, “WHERE” is this happening? The Chesapeake Bay region is ideal for sailing and boating. I am loving the hunt for these well-loved, retired nautical sails. My husband and I want to explore as many creeks, coastlines, and rivers as possible.
“WHAT” happens next? Follow me! Let’s see where these sails take me!
Happy New Year!
JJH
*Read part 1 to understand my launching point. It's on my website under Thoughts on Paper.