Cold tub tv tray, swimming mermaid

Over the last few years, and especially in my swimming, I've been tapping into deeper spaces within myself. Call it exploration and curiosity, definitely growth, confidence. It's also meant finding new and different ways to express myself to others, and part of that has been making time for artistic interests.

This latest project holds a special place for me. I'm gonna be spending lots of time in my cold tub in the coming months to get ready for my next solo marathon swim, and wanted a TV tray for across the top so that I could bring snacks, a book, etc. I added little feet on either side so it can't slide off the tub when I'm clumsy. I stained the wood, and noticed odd ugly blotches on the surface, but decided to use it all the same...it's imperfections are authentic, as all imperfections are. I wanted to paint a meaningful design, a simple little mermaid, and that built itself out into a more elaborate design of her emerging from sea grass with a starfish. I still need to verathane it to seal the wood and protect it from water. It speaks to me, and reminds me of all the really great mer-people in my life...