'Forgotten Dreams'

Forgotten Dreams / 20x20 / acrylic on canvas

This piece is now ready to be packaged and shipped for a total of 19 pieces which are heading to ArySpace Gallery in Ontario.  I have one more to complete (almost there) and then they're off...2 larger pieces (20x20) and 17 minis (6x6 + 5x7).  I decided to name this particular piece 'Forgotten Dreams' for two reasons:

1.  I often feel deep regret for the way the aboriginal people were treated and too often still are...do they still remember their dreams?

2.  Sometimes we need to be given a sacred space in order to remember our forgotten dreams...do you remember yours?

There is a necessity for tradition, for ritual, for remembering.  Several years ago I had almost given up on this life as an artist until I remembered why I wanted to do this.  It wasn't for the recognition or the money, though those are both wonderful bonuses, but rather for the sense of peace and pleasure I experience every day that I spend in my studio.  That pure sense of joy.  That sense of knowing that this is what I was created to do. 

I've also been enjoying using my palette knife as a tool to apply colours and marks.  I remember our instructors in College telling us that a palette knife is only to be used to mix paint, not to apply it...and yet, I find it makes the most delicious marks.  Sometimes it is fun to be a rebel.