Specifics

14 x 20 inches
Pencil
1995
Artist: David Ehlen

Black Oil was drawn during the time when I worked on an offshore oil rig off of Seal Beach, California. I cannot explain the contrasted environment of oil rig life. Here, in the ocean is this massive machine pumping oil, water and natural gas and it's loud depending where you are standing. But there are the peaceful moments if you look for them. Sunsets and better yet sunrises. Night is incredible. There was this nasty old beach chair that I found under some hoses and tarps once and I would spread a couple of towels over the top of it and lay back and watch the stars.