Leas Steps

 I walked up to the foot of these steps - which run from the bottom of the Leas Lift to the top of the Road of Remembrance in Folkestone - as I have many, many times before as I walk Charlie around here often. But this time I was struck by a feeling. I paused for a moment before climbing them. I wondered if I was alone in this, whether these light dappled, old concrete steps would resonate with what others are going through in their lives. And should I make this a subject for a painting? I continued this train of thought as I climbed. There is a daunting feeling that the climb will be hard. Our minds tell us this before we even begin. And if we look around there are cracks. The path ahead is rickety and neglected. It’s not always clear where the climb will lead and we have no assurance that things will go our way. Yet there IS somehow a promise of light and warmth. Something beautiful in the journey. So even if, once we get to the top we see more, I guess it’s just best to keep going. By the time I got to the top I was convinced that I needed to paint this painting to prove to myself that I - and consequently you - are not alone.