Most people imagine the ocean in the typical fashion: white sand beaches and turquoise waters. The connotation is that the ocean is a carefree, relaxed environment, reminiscent of vacations and retirement. But, like so many others, I have experienced a different side to the ocean. Experiencing the water as both a safe place and a dangerous place. And when you really experience the ocean, you feel its true dark and powerful capabilities. An ever flowing yin and yang, I have seen the ocean to be both a turquoise paradise and a merciless black sea. Dark and powerful things can also be beautiful, and that is why we are often so drawn to them. 

When capturing these ocean-scapes on film, I knew that I wanted to portray the darker side to the waters in a physical way. I chose 35mm Black and White Film as my medium. Some photos from the series represent the ocean’s chilling labyrinth of peaks and breaks. And others capture the calming effect after time spent in the dark abyss. They are tied together by the constant of a black sea, with pockets of light to remind us that through the ocean's mystery there is always a catch of clarity.