Becoming a Pilgrim Artist
THE CAMINO PORTUGUËS
From August to November, 2022, I walked the paths of the Camino de Santiago from France across Spain and Portugal. I walked just over1300 kms, carrying my painting equipment amongst other possessions in my backpack. I made three pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela on the Camino Frances (starting from St Jean Pied de Port, France), the Camino Portuguës (from Porto, Portugal) and the Camino Inglés (from Ferrol, Spain), as well as the Prolongación to Muxia on Spain’s Atlantic coast. I painted on these pilgrimages, stopping along the way to capture interesting and inspiring aspects of the journey. In painting en plein air, the emotions that surfaced on the journey inevitably coloured my perceptions and responses to the landscape. On return to Australia I continued to paint the camino from my sketches and reference photographs to form the body of work that is present here now. To walk the Camino de Santiago is a great privilege. The experience is a gift. I hope to walk it many more times, starting once again in May 2024.
Looking Back Towards Porto, Matosinhos
It’s very early in the morning and I’m finally out of the long suburban sprawl that spreads north out of Porto. I’m taking the Senda Littoral path north as far as it extends and then I’ll join the traditional inland route from Valenca/Tui to Santiago de Compostela. The Senda Littoral extends northwards right alongside the Atlantic and I’m looking forward to the coastal scenery - the sea, the sand and the salt in the air - which will be such a change from the Camino Frances, which I have just completed. The weather doesn’t look promising, so I’m expecting some wet days ahead. 750 x 560.
CAMINO PORTUGUËS
Between Porto and Vila do Conde
The dilapidated wire and picket fencing seen here is a common sight along this stretch of coast. The Atlantic waves are crashing ashore alongside me as I walk along the boardwalk that comprises this section of the Senda Littoral. I’m grateful that the rain has held off for the moment and I’m enjoying the solitude that this Camino is providing today. 750 x 560.
CAMINO PORTUGUËS
In The Dunes, Senda Littoral
The dunes are immense along this stretch of the Senda Littoral, between Vila do Conde and Esposende. I’m walking alone and wondering if those down below walking on the sand are peregrinos or local people out for some exercise. I feel invigorated and alive being this close to the sea amongst the dunes. 370 x 270.
CAMINO PORTUGUËS
Approaching Angeiras
This beautiful stretch of coast lies between Matasinhos and Vila do Conde. The fishing community as Angeiras occupies absolute beach frontage. Approaching the town on this route entails walking through the centre of a community that literally lives on the sand. It’s a fascinating glimpse into a traditional Portuguese coastal community that lives with, and off, the sea. I could see that everyone owed their livelihoods to fishing and the sea. Boats were pulled up on the sand and everyone was busy cleaning the catch, mending nets and working on maintaining their boats. 370 x 270.
CAMINO PORTUGUËS
Near Esposende
Esposende is near the end of the Senda Littoral and the point where I will have to say goodbye to the sea as I move inland towards Valença/Tui. This stretch of coast is particularly beautiful. 750 x 560.
CAMINO PORTUGUËS
Another Arrival, Santiago de Compostela
Another arrival in Santiago de Compostela. It was a difficult two weeks completing this walk as the weather was particularly bad for the last several days. However, the reunions in the Plaza were very special and I was very happy to have managed to complete another Camino injury-free. My feet and legs were faring well, and I felt as if I had gained a second wind. I decided to move on up to Ferrol, on the northern Spanish coast, and walk the Camino Inglés back to Santiago de Compostela. 370 x 270.
CAMINO PORTUGUËS
