Sarah Mathews

Paddle Out

Sculpture

12″ x 3″

2023

Paddle Out portrays the tradition of holding a “floating memorial” in the open ocean after the passing of a cherished loved one. Often seen in the surfing community, friends and family make the distance from shore and gather to form a unified circle in the water, whether on boards, kayaks or canoes. Leis of flowers are tossed on the ocean’s surface in remembrance. On a personal level, this piece resembles the floral lei used during the ceremony for Sarah’s mother in Kihei, Hawai’i. In memory of Lori Mathews and all souls lost during the COVID-19 pandemic.

@sarah.sweetpea