Painting Stories

Contact: walli@theeastshore.net          250 225 3484

Most of my paintings are more like chapter books than posters.   They may be a little slower to make an impression but with a little time the many thoughts and ideas behind become more visible.  It is not necessary to see or understand all of the ideas and stories that I have involved myself in while painting them, but it is my hope that people find their own stories and entertain their own ideas as they spend time with the painting.  For many years I would not give any hint of my stories and ideas beyond the title because I hoped people would find their own way in to the paintings.  At one show in a government gallery I was asked to give a talk about the paintings.  I noticed that explaining where I was coming from in a painting gave many people a way in and a place to start their relationship.  Since then I have been more open to sharing at least an idea or two about the work. In this Painting Stories section I will share a few thoughts about the work.  It is still my hope that viewers expand on these ideas as they hang out with each painting.

 

 The Shadow of A City is the beginning of a series that juxtaposes cities with nature in a variety of ways.  It is a non judgmental comment on our relationship with the earth.  As we have become 7 billion beings, largely gathered in urban centres, it is easy to view humans as a cancer on the earth.  Or maybe we are a natural step in the evolution of this planet.  It is possible that the power of nature that created the beauty of this planet has the power and influence to bring things in to balance.  For me this beauty and power is to be celebrated, even worshipped, yet I am a part of the species that is changing the face of nature, of the earth itself.  As nature brings things in to balance it may be very painful to mankind and to the idea of our own power.  I do not make the judgement that we are a good or bad part of nature.  I do think a little reflection on our situation, a little awareness and a little humiiity could go along way.

 

14 thoughts on “Painting Stories

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  2. Hi Ted,
    The theme underlying this new series is very inspirational as well as pertinent to these times we’re living in. I, too, have been contemplating this theme for years as I have a love for the city and what it has to offer regarding variety of people, architecture, art, as well as the poetic busy-ness and organization behind it all. The juxtaposition between city and nature also strikes me deep, as I have chosen to live an extreme rural existence; being in nature is where I feel closer to the divine. The city challenges me in a way that I question what we’ve lost regarding our physical and spiritual bodies by choosing to put so much of our energy into creating such an environment for so many of us to live in.
    Thank you for taking time to share your ideas and I look forward to seeing/hearing/feeling more of this in the future. All the best.

    1. nice to hear from you Mel. It would be nice to get together some dy and talk about some of these ideas. I could always use a few writing tips.
      I have finished 3 more paintings in that series. I hope that there will 10 or 12 when I am done. The series is flowing easily and has some life and strength. I’ll let you know when I post the next one

      Ted

  3. Hi I wonder when the ” In the shadow of a city” was painted ? need answer as quick ass possibe 🙂

    Beautiful pictures by the way!

    1. I think that I painted the whole city series in the winter of 2011 and 2012. Time does blur together for me these days. There is about 15 paintings in that series. Thanks for the interest. Enjoy

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