CAROLYNN HAYDU

China Beach, 2024
Painted Paper on Wood Panel
20 x 16 x 1.5 in

ABOUT THE WORK

"On the rarest of San Francisco days, the temperature climbs above 80 degrees and one can almost feel the presence of the famous Santa Ana winds. Today, May 10th 2024 is one of those rare days. I'll drop whatever I'm doing, if humanly possible, and head to China Beach. This small alcove in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge is a whole natural and social ecosystem unto itself. The water is always cold but on a day like today, the chill of the water turns to ecstatic tingles when the warmth of the sun hits my skin. I love to watch the China Beach regulars, that is, those who swim there everyday. They hit the water with confidence as though impervious to the cold. After their swim, they gather on the dilapidated concrete deck above the sand. There, they socialize and warm themselves in the sun. I aspire to join them one day. From the rocks that separate China Beach from Baker Beach, I watch the water of the Pacific Ocean meet the San Francisco Bay and mingle. I represent the different bodies of water with varying greens and blues in my piece, with a robust red representing the Golden Gate Bridge. The topographic features of the painting represent the hills of the Presidio and Presidio Heights. The bright colors in the topography represent the diversity and creativity of San Francisco inhabitants. And finally, I include gold that represents the Golden State, California, where I was born and hope to live out the rest of my days."—Carolynn Haydu

This work is included in the "" group exhibition at Voss Gallery (July 13 - August 17, 2024).

HANGING & CARE

Artwork is ready to hang on the wall; hanging wire is secured on the back (nail and hook needed). Dust raw canvas with a clean, soft brush and HEPA-filtered vacuum to clean. Using a new, clean brush prevents transfer of grime from previous dustings.