Western Sandpiper

Living in a rural town does have its disadvantages. The main one is the high cost of living and the lack of housing. However, it has advantages you can’t find anywhere else. When I moved away into the cities at 18, the biggest culture shock for me was the switch from fearing wild animals to fearing people. This was very difficult for me to understand. It still is. Growing up in a small town, everyone knew each other; whether you liked it or not. You had to be an idiot to commit theft and violence, everyone would find out in a matter of days. The majority looked out for one another. 

This realization literally smacked me in the face when I had gotten badly injured while biking with my dog. Her leash had twisted my bike handles and caused my bike to flip. I got thrown off my bike and splat on the cement like children’s goo. My knees and elbows were bleeding. I laid on the cement defeated. There were many people around me who had witnessed the whole dramatic event. They glanced and quickly looked away. It was as if I was dangerous? The risk of helping was too great. It was safer to let someone else help. Well, no one did. 

I laid on the cement dumbfounded. I thought to myself, “If I was back home, there would be a flock of people overreacting right now and bombarding me with worried faces and panicked questions.” 

The more people there are in one location, the less compassionate people become? Why do you think that is?

It reminds me of the bystander effect. Have you read about that study?

Paper

Canson Plein Air Mix Media Artboard 8” x 10” 

 

Watercolors

Winsor & Newton Designers Gouache: Permanent White

Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors: Neutral Tint, Payne’s Gray, Raw Sienna, Raw Umber, Burnt Umber, Quinacridone Deep Gold, Quinacridone Gold, Green Apatite Green, Undersea Green, Green Gold

 

Brushes

12 Silver Black Brush Velvet Round

6 Silver Black Brush Velvet Round

2 Silver Black Velvet Round

 

Credits

Artist: Shulammite Reece

Photo reference taken by artist