The moon pulls and the oceans move. Tides come and tides go. With each sweep of water a new world is revealed. –Dwight Holing
I am inspired by the ever-changing landscape of surf and sand. I awake at dawn and drive to El Matador State Beach at Malibu. In the early light of morning all is quiet along the beach and the advance and retreat of the tides have sculpted the shoreline into artful forms. Among the water-carved caves and large rocks of this beautiful little pocket beach I spend the day observing and photographing the wonders of marine life – the delicate yet hardy plants and animals that must endure to survive the constantly shifting environment.
At first, I am visually attracted to the strong horizon lines and rich patterns in the natural tapestry that lies before me. I sit and fill my lungs in the cool misty breeze and watch little creatures emerge from their hiding places. At low tide, I get on my knees and start looking at the landscape from the tiny creatures’ perspective. I place my camera low and photograph the rocks and pools teeming with life; sea stars, anemones, and barnacles cling to rocks as wave after wave comes crashing over them. The hours pass quickly while I lose myself in capturing the moment and only an advancing tide pulls me away and forces me to retreat to higher ground.
It is fascinating to observe the great biodiversity of organisms that are adapted to an environment of harsh extremes in a relatively narrow strip of shore. I walk respectfully as I contemplate the habitats of the intertidal zone. My awareness of how all life is connected is enhanced and I am humbled in my wonderings and wanderings as I photograph The Tides of El Matador.
