By Charles Benn, Art from Ashes Intern | published originally in print issue of Art from Ashes Magazine, December 2024
Growing up in Long Beach, CA, the beach has always been a refuge and an escape from the pressures of daily life. The soothing sound of waves crashing on the shore and the refreshing sea breeze create a calming atmosphere, allowing one to temporarily set aside the worries and responsibilities that can feel burdensome.
As a kid, visits to the beach were a delightful break from the hectic city life. The vast stretches of sand and ocean offered a sense of liberation and opportunity, where one could simply relax and observe the world or participate in joyful activities like constructing sandcastles or running after the waves.
Even now, in adulthood, the beach remains a sanctuary, a spot to rejuvenate and reconnect with oneself, away from the distractions and demands of contemporary existence. The beach has become a treasured escape, a reminder that life is about more than just the daily routine, and that often, the simplest joys are the most significant.
This graphic design piece I drew up is a scene that conveys a contemplative mood, with the figure of myself, seemingly observing or taking in the natural surroundings. As an adult, I often spend days and nights at the beach mesmerized by the view and appreciating life.
