Ulysses #081 ‘Milly’s Pale Blue Scarf’

Milly’s Pale Blue Scarf

Ulysses Page #081 — Original Artwork by Natalie Forrester

Soft, serene, and full of quiet emotion, Milly’s Pale Blue Scarf is inspired by page 81 of James Joyce’s Ulysses, where Bloom reads a letter from his daughter, Milly, who has just moved away for work.

The painting is anchored by the pale blue of Milly’s scarf — a hue that speaks of innocence and protection, qualities often associated with both childhood and the colour blue in colour psychology. The artwork’s gentle pastel layers, subtle textures, and milky washes evoke Bloom’s tender paternal love and quiet reflection.

Scattered playful red dots hint at the line “pinching her cheeks to make them red,” suggesting emerging confidence, vitality, and the blush of independence. Meanwhile, the soft white veil across the canvas draws from the phrase “Anaemic a little. Was given milk too long,” imbuing the work with a nostalgic, almost dreamlike quality.

This piece is a deeply personal meditation on distance, love, and the delicate process of letting go — the universal story of a parent watching their child step out into the world.