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Along with other artists, I will be painting one of five picnic benches which will be placed outside on the lawn at the Norfolk Arts Centre in downtown Simcoe for the “Celebrate Simcoe: The Global Garden” project.
“This is a fun spin on the fact that Simcoe is located in Norfolk County, which has long been nicknamed Ontario’s Garden. Simcoe has a distinctive international culture, which this project aims to highlight. “
“Every year, approximately five thousand seasonal workers come to the community from outside the Every year, approximately five thousand seasonal workers come to the community from outside the country – mainly Jamaica, Mexico, and Trinidad and Tobago – to work on large fruit and vegetable farms. Typically, on the weekends, the workers come downtown to shop, eat, and socialize. The atmosphere on ‘Town Nights’ is unique, and we want to amplify this experience by adding artwork that celebrates the diversity of the community. Gradually, the murals and picnic table art will transform Simcoe into a true ‘Global Garden’, enhancing the visual landscape for residents & visitors.”
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The look I want to create is similar to stained glass or mosaic tiling. When I think of agriculture, our pollinators come to mind, our essential bees and butterflies. On a symbolic level, butterflies represent metamorphosis and freedom. The bees are a symbol of community, they work hard together in unity. The seat parts of the bench will include mosaic curved pathways. This illustrates our travels and our life journeys. This also honours the migrant workers, their seasonal voyages and celebrates their colourful cultures.
September 7th, 2021 The custom made picnic table was delivered to me and I have it set up to paint in my garage. The tables were sourced locally through Henderson Recreation Equipment Ltd. and feature galvanized frames and wood tops and seats. Very heavy!
Here’s my painting process. Thanks to Graphenstone paint for the base colours Paraiba (light blue), Fruity Wendy (bright red) and Yas (primary yellow). After the base colours, I drew on the details of bees and butterflies with Posca paint pens. I continued with multiple layers and blending with the paint pens. After the paint was completely dry, I applied multiple coats of a Varathane clear coat spray varnish.
Music credit Short Guitar Clip by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/
Listening to the beat of the drum, the beat of my heart, I found myself opening a large wooden door in a tree. Entering the darkness, I walked down the glistening stone steps, going deep, deep down. Into the earth, into an underground cavern.
The shadowy figure by the river beckoned me to enter a red canoe. Sitting in the canoe, it moved on its own. Taking me down the river with rocks on either side. Looking up, I saw Turquoise Changing Woman and Owl flying around, both with wonderful multicolored wings. The drum was beating.
A beautiful black panther was leaping from one side of the river bank to the other. Suddenly he jumped into the canoe with me. I stroked his silky, shining black coat. I cuddled this ferocious, exotic cat. Then he scratched my upper arm leaving three large red marks. Sitting back, he stared at me with his big yellow eyes.
The drum beat quickened, it was time to return. I got out of the canoe, made my way up the steps and back out the door into the upper world. I was in a sunny meadow and saw a porcupine meandering around.
Later that day I received the heart breaking news that my brother Phillip had passed away. (May 1st, 2021)
I painted this Zebra for Phil, it was his favourite animal. Run wild and free little brother.
