I’ve always found joy in showcasing the beauty of the world around me through photography. My passion is transporting the viewer into the subject itself, whether it’s the striking sandstone slot canyons of Arizona or the unique shapes and colors of roses and other delicate flowers. But when my husband and I moved from the Research Triangle to Leland in 2020, I felt adrift from prior years of caregiving. I work from home, but COVID-19 kept me from making in-person connections. It wasn’t easy to get out of our home and experience our new surroundings.

Then I started driving down to Southport to watch the huge container ships coming through on their way to the Port of Wilmington. I’d taken a cargo ship from Houston to Greece in my early twenties. What a memorable experience! Just seeing the vessels felt like a personal connection. I started taking photos of ships passing by from the Southport fishing pier. I would be among the fishermen and chat with them before sunrise to see the ships enter the Cape Fear River. I met other ship watchers on the waterfront and found out about the Cape Fear River Ship Watchers (CFRSW) Facebook Group, and suddenly I was connected again. Next step, I started venturing to Wilmington and took the Henrietta and Wilmington Water Tours, and I was hooked. Being on the water and cruising by the ships, I felt like I was home. Those photographs led to an exhibit, “Ships of the Cape Fear River,” in March at the Intracoastal Realty office in downtown Wilmington. Opening night was March 24, in conjunction with the 4th Friday Art Walk.

I met other artists and connected with the Wilmington/New Hanover County Arts Council. I was thrilled to have some of the CFRSW Facebook group members attend the exhibit’s opening! Once again, my art provided me with comfort, community, and connections.

In June, I am delighted to display photographs from “Ships of the Cape Fear River” at the Intracoastal Realty office in Southport, at 122 N. Howe St. These include life-like images and eye-catching abstracts—my unique perspective on those vessels. The exhibit is free and open to the public beginning June 2 at 10 a.m., with an opening reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. that night as part of Southport’s 1st Friday Gallery Walk. The exhibit runs through June 29 and will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

I am grateful to have rediscovered the passion and joy of photography and to share that with the people of Brunswick County!