Grace's Logbook #4 - The "Art" of Grace
The Art of Grace Series
Amy Wagner
In over 100 years of life, Grace has had many lives. Since built in 1913, she has had four names (Sispud II, Acquilla, Zapala & Grace) and 11 owners. She has had good times and bad. She has had many faces.
As I was starting to write my biography of Grace (Grace Lives), I knew that vivid imagery would be crucial in helping to tell her rich story. I also thought that hand created art would further enrich the reader's experience when learning of Grace's long life.
Since I am not an artist, I turned to my friend, and fellow Palmetto Bluff resident Amy Wagner for advice. Amy is primarily an oil painter and she is very active in Palmetto Bluff's artist community. I pitched an idea to Amy, looking for her suggestion of an artist from Palmetto Bluff who might be interested in doing some simple sketches of Grace at various timepoints of her life. Bravely, Amy eagerly asked if she could give it a try stating she would like to work on her watercolor techniques. Knowing how gifted an artist Amy is, and how fondly she views Grace as the jewel of Palmetto Bluff, I was both honored and excited that she wanted the opportunity.
In a recent conversation with Amy, she confided to me... "I took on the Grace project as an experiment and a challenge, not knowing if I would succeed or fail, but knowing that if I didn’t at least try I would miss a big opportunity to be a part of an important historical project and an opportunity to be a contributor to our PB community. I hope my little sketches and watercolors allow the viewer to see how actual vs perceived/imaginative differ, but have similarities. Realistic images sometimes can feel a little engineered (but do have their place) and in contrast the perceived/imagined speaks more to feelings and one’s soul. Especially when color is used. I hope this art will soften the book on the Grace history and interest buyers to peruse and read at leisure to remind them of the past but also to inform them of the future of the Grace and our PB community. And truthfully...I hope this book makes a lot of money for Grace. lol."
Amy did not disappoint. Her gift of vivid watercolor renderings of Grace add such depth and richness to all phases of her history. Amy's work is featured throughout Grace Lives and brings true beauty to Grace's fascinating story. Reproductions of Amy's works will also be made available for purchase...with profits going directly to the care and maintenance of Grace.
Amy's contribution to Grace Lives, to The Grace Club and to Grace's future survival is exemplary of the passion of those who love Grace. Thank you my friend.
