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Wrestling With A Dream

The Story Behind The Painting -

“Wrestling With A Dream” is an Acrylic Painting on the back of an Event Poster. The Card is an 11” x 17” Poster promoting the Event. As I was thinking of a name for this work, I had in error (without checking) thought that the poster was a “wrestling poster”, and I did not look at the other side. …Read more

Four Friends

The Story Behind The Print – Four Friends

“Four Friends” emerged from a series of prints based on photographs of the aluminum press plates which are still used by newspapers and printers. These plates are used to print the pages of newspapers and magazines and the like. Frequently, after they are used they are sold to the public for use as waterproofing the tops of pilings used in installing piles for wharves and docks. I am intrigued by the fact that they are often hammered or stapled onto the piling with the previously used ink-side down. I am fascinated to know what story or stories and photographs lie hidden on the hidden side? Often as I process this series, I am thrilled to see subliminal (hidden) imagery emerge.

Russian Winter

The Story Behind The Print – Russian Winter

Russian Winter emerged into a series of prints containing whiteness and emotion. This particular print is named in honour of a former student of mine who was born in Russia and happened to be an orphan. She was adopted into a Canadian family. The original photo was taken in Parksville, BC on March 4, 2006. The White in this print reminds me of the snow in the film Dr. Zhivago (1965), which was shot in the cold Russian winter. I have allowed this image to become the signature piece for my work.

Scars on Ice

The Story Behind The Painting: “Scars on Ice”

The Under 17 World Ice Hockey Tournament is being hosted by Port Alberni, B.C. and will run from December to January 2009. As an artist and a hockey player, I had never previously tackled the subject of Ice Hockey in my art. I am finding that memories are powerful for me. This painting was fun to create. I wanted to “play” with the ideas of teamwork, chalk-talk, movement and directions. One of the fondest memories of my hockey years is when another, bigger player than I, wanted to fight me and in a flash, before a fist had hit me, my brother Wayne leaped to my defence. Wayne died at a “young” 60 years of age due to cancer. I use this painting to partially continue my grieving for our loss. Wayne was a great hockey player. I loved him. December 20, 2008