Though less famous for painters than neighboring Monhegan, Seguin was still important in art circles. In the early 20thC New York artists led by gallerist and photographer Alfred Stieglitz began frequenting the area around Seguin. Marsden Hartley, John Marin, the Zorachs, and others all captured on paper and canvas the trees, rocks, and sea. In a 1914 letter to Stieglitz, Marin wrote of the challenges of painting in these parts complaining of the mosquitoes, broken-down boats, and weather. However, he went on, “Huge waves sounding on a rock-ribbed shore makes the heart, liver, lungs, everything, the whole human critter expand ‘nigh to bustin point.’ Then you live, live, live, and you ‘got to do something’” [Marin, Letters of John Marin. West Point, P.O. Maine, September 16, 1914] The book Maine Moderns: Art in Seguinland, 1900-1940 is a rich collection of various painters’ work depicting the island and area. Also notable is Andrew Winter’s beautiful 1940 painting ‘Seguin Island Light’ which captures with emotion the building, tram, sky and grass. This painting can be seen at the Farnsworth Museum in Rockland or online.
Following this storied artistic tradition, painter Roy Germon and illustrator Leticia Plate visited the island over the weekend filling sketch books with views. Once back in the studio, the artists will translate these drawings into large scale pieces. Keep an eye out for their work.
The trails are in great order, and the grass is growing at a more leisurely pace. Volunteers Gordon, Fred, Steve, and Tom gave Peter a chance to leave last week to reprovision the larder. Visitors are coming with regularity since the weather has been more dependably good. Folks have arrived from far afield to take in the spot including someone from Mattawamkeag, Montevideo, Mysore, Nicosia, and Honolulu. Some passengers and crew from ImPossible Dream, an organization making sailing accessible to people with disabilities, venured up the hill for a gander. One couple brought their cat named Seguin for a tour and pictures – this event in particular piqued Po’s interest. Peter and I continue to be wowed by the curiosity and generousness of visitors from near and far. Each person leaves an impression, and Seguin makes a mark.
