I had the luxury of growing up in one of the most beautiful place in the world, Monterey, California. This may be a very subjective statement, but in my opinion nothing beats the lifestyle, entertainment and beauty that Monterey offers. Beaches, waves and casualness are a few words that sum out Monterey to me, and The Great Wave by the Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai depicts that beauty. This artwork reminds me of the large waves in Monterey, especially along the wharf leading up to Lovers Point, a cliff that outlook the water.
While The Great Wave depicts excitement by the large, rushing waves, I see this artwork as calming as it reminds me of home, Monterey. The Great Wave illustrates tiny humans being tossed around in boats by the waves with Mt. Fuji in the distance. Yet, when I look at this artwork all I can picture is calmness, serenity and safeness. It reminds me of the numerous early morning runs along the wharf, listening to the waves crashing, seagulls and otters. I can literally smell the clam chowder and feel the mist in my face when I look at this painting.
Beyond being a memory to me, The Great Wave is a motivation factor in my life. I wasn’t a good student, always in trouble, made my parents lives a nightmare and didn’t have much impetus in my life. I moved to the Bay Area when I was in my later years in high school and then realized how lucky I was to have had the experience of Monterey. Although I didn’t take advantage of the magnificence of Monterey, I’m now old and wise enough to know how lucky I’ am for the experience.