Hiawatha’s Journey by Susan Baines of South Thomaston

Artist Bio

Longtime artist and former owner of The Kelpie Gallery in South Thomaston representing over 40 artists. Currently maintaining a studio at 26 Split Rock Cove Artist Retreat in South Thomaston. Partner/Member of Port Clyde’s Red Barn Gallery.

Artist’s Statement

My acrylic painting of a winding tidal waterway was inspired by the epic poem, “The Song of Hiawatha” by Maine poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. I have excerpted my favorite stanza of the poem on the back of the paddle, depicted on a birch bark scroll, reminiscent of the birch bark canoes. In this stanza, Hiawatha is about to embark on a great journey and the stanza speaks of his resolve and keen anticipation for the journey.