In 2003, I received an unexpected honour when my painting Balsam Lake, a 40" x 50" mixed-media work on canvas, was selected for a purchase award by the Archives of Ontario as part of their 100th anniversary celebrations.
Twenty-three years later, I received a most wonderful surprise. I was contacted by curator Lani Kopczinski to tell me that Balsam Lake would be included in an exhibition titled Together Ensemble, at the Legislative Building of Ontario, in the office of Her Honour, Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont. Even more remarkably, the painting will be part of this exhibition for the next five years!
I have to admit that I had no idea where the painting had been since its acquisition in 2003. I hadn't seen it in all those years. To know that it is now hanging in such a distinguished setting, and that it will be seen by visitors for years to come, is an extraordinary feeling.
October 21 was quite a day for me. I was invited as a guest of the Lieutenant Governor to visit the exhibition at Queen's Park, on the very same day that I was installing my own exhibition, Shared Space, at Artscape Youngplace. A busy day, to say the least!
There was something rather special about these two exhibitions happening at the same time. My painting style and artistic direction have evolved considerably since 2003. Looking at Balsam Lake again, I was reminded of an earlier chapter in my artistic journey, while Shared Space represents much of where my work has taken me today. It was an unexpected opportunity to reflect on just how much my practice has changed and grown over time.
Meeting Her Honour and Lani Kopczinski was a real highlight. They were so warm, kind and effusive in their welcome that I was quite overwhelmed. I had brought along the original plein air oil pastel sketch I made at Balsam Lake, the little work that preceded the much larger painting. They seemed genuinely excited to see it, and it was lovely to share that part of the painting's history with them.
I am deeply honoured to have Balsam Lake included in Together Ensemble. As artists, we send our work out into the world and often have little idea where it will travel or whose lives it might touch. To have this painting resurface after so many years, and to know it has found a place where it will be appreciated and seen, is a gift.
I am so grateful to the Archives of Ontario, curator Lani Kopczinski and Her Honour, Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont for making this possible. It means a great deal to me to know that a painting I made all those years ago is still out there, continuing its journey.
Her Honour, Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont
Her Honour, Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont and curator Lani Kopczinski
photo credit for all photos; Ester Pugliese