Ocean Front Houses 1937

Donald Carlisle Greason made "Ocean Front Houses" using ink on paper. Born in 1897, his artistic vision was shaped in the early to mid-20th century—a period marked by significant socio-economic shifts. This sketch invites us to reflect on themes of belonging and displacement, both in terms of the houses huddled together on the cliff, and the artist himself. The houses, perched precariously on the edge, evoke a sense of community while also hinting at vulnerability. Are they resilient havens or fragile structures threatened by the relentless sea? It evokes questions about coastal communities, their histories, and their relationship to the ever-changing environment. Greason's choice to use delicate ink strokes captures the essence of a transient moment. The houses and ocean blur, reflecting the transient nature of life, memory, and place. This piece reminds us of the emotional weight of home, the precarity of existence, and our relationship to the natural world.