Noontide

This time of year we gather the quiet.

The frenzy of life of summer life at 44˚N has subsided and the coast of Maine settles into winter.

As Andrew Wyeth said: “I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the structure of the landscape – the loneliness of it, the dead feel of winter. Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn’t show.”

Andy, as usual, was spot on. In winter we can see the skeleton – or skeletons – better.

And the quiet of it all, sometimes, most lovely of all.

And that’s what I remember so well about this moment, now maybe 20 or more years ago. It was so absolutely silent.

Only a desultory hiss of the water licking the fresh snow on the island beach. Otherwise, the most gorgeous silence.

More Sightings

Hang Together

Les Graves

Abandon

I experience a great sense of privilege when out on the boat or walking around on islands in the winter. I feel as though the whole coast is mine. No other boats... nothing.

The absolute finest kind of time for creative trespass. And secrets.
 

Ralston Gallery is in Rockport Village, at 23 Main Street, Rockport. Open Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. -6 p.m., or by chance or appointment. Peter and Terri live only a minute away and are more than happy to open on short notice. Phone: 230-7225; Gallery Manager, Terri Ralston.

 Peter Ralston's work has been seen in countless books and magazines, featured on network television and has been exhibited in galleries, collections and museums throughout the United Sates and abroad. In 2003, Peter received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Colby College in recognition for his photography work and for cofounding the Island Institute. Ralston Gallery opened in 2010, at the head of Rockport Harbor. Peter also offers photography workshops in coastal Maine, Newfoundland and Labrador.