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Flicker in the Surf

The Underwater Expresions of Neil Salley
Portfolio

Available in 9 3/4 x 7 3/4 matted prints and 4 1/3 x 3 1/4 deluxe cards

Neil Salley has been free-diving the coastal waters of Rhode Island for over 50 years. From the rocky cliffs off Beavertail to the sandy bottom of Charlestown beach, every dive has brought a unique experience. There are many different worlds beneath the surface of our coastline.

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The best way to enjoy the underwater seascape is to allow ones body to relax and become in-tune with the rhythm of the surf.  When you become a silent part of this world in motion the light, vegetation and changing temperature are all encompassing as every element moves in unison with the surf.

 

Neil pulls these images from memory and reassembles the experience through a process of illustration and assemblage. Each scene is composed from many separate hand-cut and hand painted illustrations. His process is fluid; as he often works on several pieces at the same time – reworking the various elements until the composition begins to take shape. Like the action of a striped bas chasing bait fish, everything has to flow together with the action of the waves.

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Click here to view Neil's collaboration proposal for Save The Bay

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© 2026 Neil Salley. 

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