Gustav Klimt painted two renditions of the theme, Water Serpents/Snakes, which are both often summarized in simplistic terms as “sensual women in water”. Like most of his works, one is gently rocked back and forth between reality, dream, and ornament. I’ve loved his entire oeuvre, yet the manner in which he straddled controversial eroticism in allegorical terms is a striking component to its lasting allure.

My interpretation is inspired by his two works yet also is informed by a greater context of seafaring tales of mermaids, nereids, Hydra, sirens, and the legend of Lorelei. If you’ve ever dove under the surface of a body of water and felt a kinship to the element and sense of inner peace, you have a strong idea of what I hope to convey.