Shem Creek 

Dan Graziano painted Shem Creek with oils. Here the artist gives us a view of leisure, presenting a serene dockside scene with sailboats gently bobbing. Although no date is given, we can consider how Graziano’s image participates in a long tradition of maritime painting, found across many cultures and eras. Historically, such depictions have varied greatly, sometimes celebrating naval power or commercial enterprise, while others, like this one, invite quiet contemplation. It reflects a modern sensibility – a focus on recreation and individual experience, that is made possible through economic structures and societal changes. Art historical investigation might focus on the relationship between art and leisure, charting the shifting meanings of marine imagery. We could consider the environmental impact of sailing and other social histories too, deepening our appreciation of images like these.