"...make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose..."

Life is Still Beautiful

Our fast-paced consumer culture often leads us to discard or neglect that which is flawed or aged. By contrast, the tradition of ‘still life’ composition causes both the artist and the viewer to slow down and appreciate certain objects, often flawed or aged, found in everyday life. In such compositions the artistic Masters used to explore motifs such as life and death, subtle themes meant to evoke contemplation in the viewers and open their eyes to the reality that surrounded them. I mean to do the same.

In this exhibit of still life I am exploring the theme of natural beauty in fragility. Many pieces display objects that are found apart from their original life-sources. The feathers, soft and fragile, have fallen from a bird’s wing; no longer used for flight they now exhibit a graceful beauty all their own. The flowers, dried and cut, have been removed from the earth; no longer reaching for the sun they yet retain much of their allure. Objects like these are often passed by quickly, and their beauty lies undiscovered.

I invite the viewer to appreciate these renderings of natural objects. My hope is that after time spent viewing them; you will walk away with a new admiration for the simple, fragile beauty that surrounds you.

Let us heed the wisdom of the Masters, slowing down and contemplating the everyday, discovering that Life is Still Beautiful.

Title: Harvest Glory
Size: 21 inches x 25 inches x 3/4 inch (Framed)
Date: July 2008
Medium: acrylic, india ink, carbothello on paper


The piece delights in, and brings honour to, the harvest through image and colour. It playfully contrasts the riches of the earth's harvest with man's urbanization. This is depicted through the organic image of wheat verses the geometric shapes of industry. Overall, the piece ponders the relationship between humans and their natural environment.

Title: Tide
Size: 17 inches x 21 inches x 1.5 inches (Framed)
Date: July 2008
Medium: acrylic paint and watersoluble wax pastels on canvas.


Today we are faced with the threat of environmental destruction. Looking at the tide which follows the moon in rhythm each day I am reminded of the constancy of its cycle in spite of the harm done to its waters. So too we who have been given the task of tending creation can raise up to act, knowing that ultimately the earth depends on its Maker to sustain it in spite of our failure in our task. It is a piece of hope for the environment and a call for a nurturing humanity.

This landscape is both alive and still, cool and warm. It brings a peace over my mind and a promise of warmth beyond the next horizon.

Title: Washed & Free
size: 72" x 36"
medium: acrylic washes & ink pen

I've been playing with washes and have been captivated by the act of repetitively soaking a canvas in slightly tinted waters. The flood, the flow, the waiting...gives me time to reflect, to be. It provokes feelings of rest & play - especially as I follow the organically made lines that arise from within the layers. I can't wait to experiment futher with washes & ink, line & colour, and see where the idea of cleansing takes me...

Title:A Sprout among Thorns
Size: 23 inches x 29 inches x 1/2 of an inch (Framed)
Date: December 2008
Medium: paper college


Within this paper college I have juxtaposed a ubiquitous plant with the small beginnings of a sprout. It is to act as a metaphor for the difference between the lust for power and glamour and meek service in the face of such power. Although the solitary sprout poses no threat to the crowd of foliage it beautifully displays an authority of its own. In its meekness is another sort of power and beauty that glitters in its own way. The sprout out-shines the grandeur, power and glamour of the dominant and warmly invites the viewer to contemplate how its humility can provoke in so much wonder. If only we had the eyes to see and the will to participate in such humility…