Inspired by Johan Barthold Jongkind (1819-1891) – Fleet of boats at the entrance of Antwerp (October 15, 1866) – Water color / Black stone / Lead pencil – 5,67 x 10,23 inch

That go on the water, do they have legs? Whenever Arthur sees sailboats in the sea, it’s always the same refrain running through his head.

As a child, during the school holidays, after a nap, he used to walk with his mother at the waterfront to watch the boats. They usually stayed with their maternal grandparents. His father ? So-called an adventurer. He never got to know him. He never saw a single picture of him either. It’s as if he never existed, as if he were a ghost. He missed when he was a small boy, and at school too, his classmates always made fun of him. And then, once in high school, one in every two families were divorced, so no one even cared anymore.

Then, he left the area after his veterinary studies at Maisons Alfort. He always wanted to live in the countryside. Flee the big city, its huge buildings, its highways, its traffic jams for the peace of a healthy life in the middle of grazing fields. He has found a job with an old, very old vet wishing to retire before the end of the year. In the middle of France, in the center, the Berry, the witches’ home.

His first day was epic. He had to deal with a caesarean for a cow and a castration for a donkey. His world filled with dogs and cats is far behind him now. The years have passed following the rhythm of seasons and calvings. Arthur did not wish to have a family, nor even to find a wife to be by his side during the rough countryside’s life. Animals mean everything and his neighbours really care for him.

For the first time in almost 20 years of a significant career, Arthur has decided to take a few days off. Irresistibly, he is attracted by the coasts. The call of the sea and its tides, was the strongest. His grandparents are gone and the house has been sold for a long time. So, Arthur rents a small room in a homestay in the city center and a bicycle too. And every day, he goes to the edge of the water and stares at the boats while singing …

Of course, my dummy, if they had none, they wouldn’t move along.