Jacques Cousteau (1910-1997) an ocean explorer, educator and inventor left behind an unparalleled legacy of knowledge about the sea and our interdependence with this mysterious realm. His life work was a consistant battle against tremendous odds. He was frustrated with school and was kicked out at an early age. Later, he wanted to conquer the sky as an aviator but suffered substantial injuries in a car accident at age 26. He was sent to the sea for rehabilitation. He practiced hours of swimming to gain strength again. Now his romance with the ocean enticed him to become a pioneer of diving and improving underwater exploration (invented the Aqualung so man could breathe more freely underwater with an oxygen tank)) and nourished the public with extraordinary glimpses into his underwater world by making countless educational deepsea films. He became an advocate for all sea life and started the Cousteau Society to preserve and continue his work.
This artwork is my tribute to Jacques Cousteau and his timeless message of safeguarding the sea for coming generations. Also here is a beautiful song tribute by John Denver about the famous Calyso and its legendary captain. Every time I listen to this song, my heart leaps up. Everything Jacques Cousteau accomplished was once thought impossible.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl7aM3nCqC0
and for a "Jacques Cousteau" Factsheet:
www.etawau.com/Island/Sipadan/JacquesCousteau.htm
Calypso
To sail on a dream on a crystal clear ocean
To ride on the crest of a wild raging storm
To work in the service of life and the living
In search of the answers to questions unknown
To be part of the movement and part of the growing
Part of beginning to understand
Aye, Calypso, the places youve been to
The things that youve shown us
The stories you tell
Aye, Calypso, I sing to your spirit
The men who have served you
So long and so well
Like the dolphin who guides you
You bring us beside you
To light up the darkness and show us the way
For though we are strangers in your silent world
To live on the land we must learn from the sea
To be true as the tide
And free as the wind-swell
Joyful and loving in letting it be
Aye, Calypso, the places youve been to
The things that youve shown us
The stories you tell
Aye, Calypso, I sing to your spirit
The men who have served you
So long and so well
Aye, Calypso, the places youve been to
The things that youve shown us
The stories you tell
Aye, Calypso, I sing to your spirit
The men who have served you
So long and so well
Words and music by John Denver
In the words of a Visionary Master:
"If you have a Vision and you know its possible to attain, then it is not a Vision, but a "to do" list." - Tulshi Sen
Here's to the "unattainable" star which stretches each of us into our success.
Ganga
