The Bedrock Collection
About the work:
This collection is a meditation on what I learned last year. I took on new challenges in my work. Most failed or I didn’t complete them and I was really hard on myself. I felt unsteady and scattered. My solid ground last year (my personal bedrock) was my family, friends and my health. My daily commitment to exercising gave me the energy to push through the difficult road blocks in my work. Adventures with family and friends kept my heart’s compass pointed in the right direction. And time spent in nature and painting centred my soul.
That is why I’m calling this next body of work “Bedrock.” This collection is about simplicity, clarity and strength. The reference photos I used for each of these 8 paintings are a from time and place that I spent with those that held me steady. In these moments, time stood still and my senses sharpened. I felt light and peaceful. My hope is this collection inspires you and your awareness of the ordinary moments in your own life where you find stability, wonder and meaning.
The stories of inspiration behind each painting:
Lavender Sea: This was the view of the sun setting while on an art retreat on Gabriola Island, with my dear art pals Fiona and Michelle. On that weekend away, they helped reset my business compass while dabbing my tears of worry. I’m forever in your debt, my friends xo. (they read these emails too)
Silent Reflection and Begin again: Last summer my family spent time in Canmore and Banff. These two paintings reference Vermilion Lakes looking at Mt. Rundle. We took a picnic lunch out onto the dock and sat basking in the sun. The silence was epic. The light on that mountain breathtaking. The glassy reflections on the pristine glacial water left me awestruck. Painting the Rocky Mountains is new for me and I hope I’ve done it justice.
Rising Tide and Outlook: The reference photo for the two was taken along the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet, BC. I was on the 25th annual retreat with 5 of my dearest friends. We call ourselves the BYT’s (Bright Young Things). The namesake comes from a 1920’s set of bohemian socialites notorious for their shenanigans. We however have become known more for our unconditional love, empathy and support for each other through our careers, marriages, child rearing and personal growth. I cannot imagine life without their fierce and tender support.
The Strand: This is the view from the Cox Bay lookout. I hiked this trail with my husband Dirk, daughter Kaita and her boyfriend Sam. We took in this view from dusk to sunset and it was so soothing and stunning, each couple was inspired to quietly hold each other in an embrace. It was one of those moments where I was fully present. This memory is eternally etched in my heart.
Rhythm: Also inspired by my Cox Bay hike, this is the view looking over the peninsula at the Tofino harbour, with Meares Island in the background.
Detailed and narrated videos of the work:
I have recorded a video of each painting and uploaded the videos to YouTube. This way you will get a better sense of the subtle details that each piece holds. In the videos, I also narrate some details about the paintings–of my brush work, the many layers of paint that build depth, the pops of the underpainting that glow through those layers and the diversity in the colour palette. I hope this helps deliver more of the nuance and value in my work and helps your decision making and prepare you to collect your paintings. Click this link to view the videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClwBHdvkhwPrp0yAs1ZQydQ