Saltwater for the Soul
Like so many of you, my life is full, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Between family, a full-time career, running a small business, and my love of running, the days stay busy. Really busy. And while I love the rhythm of it all, there are moments when I feel stretched thin, pulled in too many directions at once. That’s when the coast calls.
For me, the North Carolina coast isn’t just a place on the map, it’s a feeling. It’s the crash of waves on the shore, the tug of a paddle through a quiet maritime creek, the warmth of the sun after a dockside nap, the shared joy of a boat ride or melting ice cream cone with family and friends. It's the serenity of a cotton candy sunrise and the brilliance of a golden sunset. It’s solitude, laughter, slowness, and freedom all wrapped up in one place.
And even when I can’t get away, I find myself longing for that sense of calm and clarity the coast brings me. That’s why I love art. It has a way of bringing the coast to me, when I can't get to the coast.
Emily Rhodes is a local artist whose pieces reflect everything I treasure about summer in North Carolina. Her artwork - whether it’s the elegant stretch of a blue heron, the peaceful hush of ocean waves, or the mysterious elegance of the deep - has a way of bringing the outside in. Her work doesn't just hang on a wall. It feels like a moment. A memory. A breath.
And that’s the beautiful thing about art. It grounds us. It lifts us. It transforms not just how our homes look, but how we feel inside them. Some of Emily’s pieces make me feel vibrant and alive, others calm and centered, still others deeply introspective. Each one speaks to a different part of me. A different season of life. A different summer memory.
As we head into the season of long days and golden light, I find myself craving more of that energy in my home. And I’m so thankful for artists like Emily who help make that possible, who capture the spirit of a place I love so deeply and make it something I can hold on to, even when life doesn’t leave room for a getaway.
If you're looking to bring a little bit of that coastal peace and summer joy into your own space, I invite you to explore her collection. These aren’t just beautiful works of art, they're windows to the places and feelings we treasure most. All artwork is limited edition, hand numbered and hand signed.
Shop Emily Rhodes’ work exclusively at Dogwood Dunes. Bring the coast home with you.
