Before the Plunge

Before The Plunge was inspired by the simple ritual of diving into the Mediterranean, repeated countless times during summers on the French Riviera. I was drawn not to the dive itself, but to the quiet moment beforehand—the instant when everything slows, anticipation takes over, and the sea becomes an invitation.

Rather than portraying a particular place, I reassembled the visual memories that lingered most vividly: luminous blue water, striped swimwear, warm light and simplified forms. The result is a composition that explores memory, presence and the enduring appeal of the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Created with acrylic, oil and hand-painted collage, the painting layers texture and graphic abstraction to evoke both nostalgia and the timeless feeling of a Riviera summer.