Rust and Resilience: The Artistic Journey of “Cabled History"
- Sheryl Brake
- May 27
- 5 min read
How a Fly-Fishing Trip Sparked an Artistic Series
It was June of 2022 when my husband and I set out for one of our annual fly-fishing trips to the North Platte River in Wyoming. We have been fly-fishing on this stretch of water for a few years now and returned to fish with our guide, Logan.
On this trip, our guide suggested fishing from a raft instead of the typical hard-sided boat and launching the boat further up the river. After my husband and our guide unloaded the raft, they shuttled vehicles down to a takeout point.
While patiently waiting for the guys to return and minding the raft, I wandered down the riverbank a bit and found several piles of rusted cables lying along the riverbank. The cables, not yet lit by the morning sunlight creeping over the canyon walls, lay coiled and twisted in interesting patterns.
The Beauty in Rust
The cables had been there a long time, I thought, but how long? Now colored in shades of deep burgundy, rust, and hints of blue, I immediately began snapping photos of the rusted cables. As I did, I noticed how some of the cables were unraveling as if tired and weary of the job they had performed. Some twisted and embraced the rocks that had been smoothed round by the river below almost to say they were hanging on. And others lay neatly coiled as if waiting, like a snake, to strike.
There were companions – nuts, bolts, and Crosby clamps – also rusted and worn. Some, I suspect, so rusted they were fixed permanently in their place never to move again.
An Artist’s Eye
To the normal eye, these cables and supporting actors would go unnoticed and perhaps considered trash left behind by man, but to this artist’s eye, they had a story to tell and were just waiting to be brought back to life through paint. I wanted to know more about these colorful cables, why they were there, and what their role had been.
The Mystery of the Cables
While I can't be certain, the rusted cables I discovered might have a connection to the construction of the Kortes Dam, located in the Black Canyon of the North Platte River. Built between 1946 and 1951, the dam was part of the Pick-Sloan Missouri River Basin Project, aimed at generating hydroelectric power.
The construction site faced numerous challenges, including flooding and falling rocks, which could explain the presence of these cables. Whether they played a role in this monumental project or served another purpose, their history adds a layer of intrigue to my artistic journey and the "Cabled History" series.
Had they played a role in the building of the dam upriver that now created the beautiful and plentiful fishery we were about to enjoy? Or had they been used for another purpose? Either way, I knew I would paint them.
Share your stories or thoughts in the comments below - I'd love to hear about your own serendipitous discoveries!
Inspiration on the River
As I floated down the river that day catching rainbows and brown trout, I couldn’t help but think about those cables, the colors I would use, and the paintings I would create. We did a second float on that stretch of river again that day and I was able to capture some more reference photos of those cables, beautifully lit in sunlight and casting beautiful shadows.
Naming the Series
A play on words, I named this series of paintings “Cabled History” because I knew there was history here and some fables to be told – what tales, I wasn’t sure, but as I began reviewing the reference photos, names for these paintings became apparent to me.
Mock-ups made with ArtRooms app
It’s All in the Name
Names for paintings don’t come to me easily, especially if they are somewhat abstract and not of a particular subject. I could have named them Cable No 1, Cable No 2, etc., but how boring would that be? As I reviewed and cropped my reference photos, the photos began speaking to me and the painting names emerged. Coming Undone, Holding On, Coiled, and Embracing Light. These are the names that came to me as I studied the reference photos.
Echoes of the Pandemic
Even in 2022, the world was not that far removed from the COVID-19 pandemic. Memories of quarantines, isolation, and for many, fear, were still fresh in our minds. The photos of these cables echoed some of those feelings – feelings of unraveling, holding on to life as we know it, and being wound tight with fear. And yet, there was hope, hope of a life beyond the pandemic. And so, my series, “Cabled History”, became a representation of not only the past but present day.
Was it a coincidence that these names also represented many of the feelings of the pandemic years? Or was I looking for a creative and beautiful way to express my feelings about the interplay between nature and man? I am not sure, but the names came naturally to me.
Choosing My Palette
As with all my paintings, I strive to work from a limited palette of 3-5 pigments. For the “Cabled History” series, I chose 3 colors plus what I call a dessert color. New Gamboge, Indanthrene Blue, and Permanent Magenta – all single pigment, transparent paints when combined in varying mixtures, created an earthy and beautiful color palette perfect for these cable paintings. My dessert color, (Daniel Smith’s Moonglow), provided the perfect granulation and formula for shadows and added interest.
By using the same palette of colors in all paintings in this series, I was confident that the paintings would result in a harmonious collection.
My Painting Process
Creating the "Cabled History" series was a journey of exploration and expression. Once back in the studio, I studied the reference photos I took on the river that day, cropping and creating interesting compositions. I began by carefully selecting a limited palette of 3-5 pigments to capture the earthy tones and textures of the rusted cables.
Each painting started with a detailed drawing, allowing me to understand the intricate patterns and shapes. Using transparent, single-pigment paints, I layered colors to build depth and bring the cables to life. I used kosher salt to create the textures on the rock and carefully painted the rusty cables. The process was both methodical and intuitive, as I balanced technical precision with emotional resonance.
Enjoy this short time lapse of me painting the details on the Crosby clamp in "Embracing Light".
From Riverbank to Painting
What began as a simple fly-fishing trip to the North Platte River in Wyoming turned into an unexpected artistic adventure. Discovering the rusted cables along the riverbank sparked a series of paintings that not only captured the beauty of decay but also reflected the emotional landscape of the pandemic years.
Through "Cabled History," I found a way to transform forgotten remnants into vibrant art, weaving together history, nature, and personal reflection. This series stands as a testament to the serendipity of inspiration and the power of art to find beauty in the most unexpected places.
Discover Your Artistic Journey
Have you ever spotted beauty where you didn't expect it? If you have, drop a comment below and share! And if you haven't yet, next time you're out and about, whether in nature or the city, try to find some beauty in an unexpected spot.
Snap a photo and send it my way... who knows, it might just inspire me to paint it.
I rely on word of mouth to get the word out about my art and the stories behind them. If you feel inclined (and I hope you do) please share my blog with others. Your support and appreciation of the work I do is greatly appreciated.
These are so beautiful and delicate in their way. Great work.
Sheryl, your work is exquisite! Your artistic eye and your accounting brain have partnered into a divine talent.
Beautiful paintings! I am always amazed at your art and how realistic your paintings are. I also really enjoyed reading your story of the cables. Well done as always my friend💕
Love hearing this story and how your love for nature inspires your art. Can’t wait to read more!