2022 - 8”x10”
Acrylics on birch wood floater panel (by Trekell Art Supplies)
(Private Collection)

Connecticut bridge number 700, over Route 15, is in the city of Stamford. The historical structure was constructed in the late 1930’s, along with the rest of the Merritt Parkway. It’s a single-span, classical revival, concrete arch bridge, and although I rarely drive by it (nor have I ever had the opportunity to work on it) Guinea Rd. holds a special place in my collection.

In late 2019, a fellow bridge engineer I had the opportunity to work closely with, and learn from, retired early. It wasn’t surprising since he was an active drummer—playing for local jam bands and shows. At this reunion, he was gifted a printout of this bridge that someone had found on google images—a photocopy of a painting by an unknown artist. I found out then that it was his favorite bridge.

As an artist, I was a little surprised that no one had considered mentioning it so I could put something together—something more special. I really shouldn’t have been since I never really mixed the two—keeping engineering and art separate since they mostly behaved better that way.

The thought came and went—the retiree looked happy with his retirement gift, and I was happy he got to go home and do what he worked long and hard for: whatever he pleased. I was just living vicariously in the moment—imagining life during retirement.

About a year and a half later, he passed away.

The news came a year after another co-worker passed away from cancer, also unexpectedly. She was 31 and had just given birth to her son in December the previous year (whom we got to meet briefly at our last in-person, office Christmas party before the Pandemic).  The news also came about eight months after finishing my New Haven Q-Bridge painting Heroes’ Bridge and it really got me thinking about life, those close to us, and the memories we leave behind.

To conclude, this bridge was painted in memory of my co-workers who left us too soon. It’s part of my bridge series (2021-present).

Rev. 08/2022