June Blooms in a Red Glass

Acrylic polymer emulsion on canvas, 16 x 16"

Painted Oct. 20 - Nov. 18, 2007, #138.

I'm back. I took more time off than I originally anticipated. There were lots of loose ends to tie up. I felt I also needed time to recharge. To evaluate where I was to go from here, set new goals, and to feel the hunger again. I always find it difficult to return to the brushes after a few weeks without painting. It is always intimidating to start on a white flat canvas with pencil lines and knowing that I have to create of 3-D image.

This was an ambitious painting after my hiatus. It is the type of imagery where it becomes difficult to know when to stop. When I did the photo study, I decided to crinkle the foil paper a bit to create more of a mosaic pattern. The red glass is from IKEA, and the flowers from our garden.

Private collection

Cherry & Lime JELL-O

Acrylic polymer emulsion on gessoed hardboard, 12 x 12"

Painted September 3 - 15, 2007, #128

It is always interesting to do a bit of research when doing a painting. Gelatin is a very old product and was popularized during the Victorian era, when they started serving it in elaborate jelly moulds. The name brand JELL-O dates back to 1897. The gelatin actually comes from the collagen in cow or pig bones and connective tissues. It has been a part of my own landscape since I was young. Growing up, I was a nose bleeder and Mom would often serve me this jiggly dessert, saying it was good to prevent nosebleeds. It is a staple food in many hospital settings. Served at the cafeteria and on every third tray to patients. I currently work as a nurse in the outpatient's department, where I regularly assist in an endoscopy clinic. If you are scheduled for a colonoscopy, you'll be on a strict diet of clear fluids, broths and the proverbial JELL-O for two days. Maybe now, you won't be able to find any pleasure at looking at this painting. Nonetheless, I've always considered it as a comfort food and I still like it after all this time, especially with fruits and whipped cream.

- SOLD

Atlantic Salmon, an homage to Mary Pratt

Acrylic polymer emulsion on gessoed hardboard, 14 x 18"

Painted March 3-18, 2007, #118

The genesis behind this painting was inspired after many viewing of a documentary entitled,"Adrienne Clarkson presents - Infused with light - a journey with Mary Pratt", that aired on CBC in 1997. (I have it on tape). She was being interviewed in her kitchen while preparing to bake a salmon. Cutting it's head off, stuffing it with these lavender flowered chives, then wrapping the fish in a cheeze cloth and aluminium foil paper. Mrs. Pratt has also explored the element of fire which is reflected in the flames behind the fish. This painting is not a copy of one of her works. The subject matter reflected in the documentary was the premise from which I drew the inspiration for the image. This completes the red BBQ triology for my solo show.

Mary Pratt who lives in Newfoundland has always been my favorite female artist. I've have benefited greatly from viewing her art in several group and solo exhibitions, including two major retrospectives that toured Canada in major public art galleries. This year, Canada Post honored her with a set of two art stamps that were issued on her 72nd birthday.

-SOLD