My Art Collection - Part 14

"loon family" © copyright Frank Polson

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This is my one and only original paint on canvas piece. It was painted by Ojibway artist Frank Polson. It is called Loon Family. I bought it at the smoke shop at Jocko Point. I really wanted it but I couldnt afford it. Or should I say, it was the only one without a price tag, and I couldnt afford the others. I asked how much, the lady called Frank, Frank said take what I offer, and I emptied my pocket.

There is more to this piece than a first glance reveals. I like the interconnectedness and the strong sense of maternal protection. The picture doesnt really do justice. Its a little brighter than it appears and the clouds reflect the light. The depths of the water are more Emerald.

The Wright Stuff

I lifted this off my brothers site

so that I could be part of the fun!

The note said that this would be coming to blogspots all over the country

and I certainly wanted to be one!

Let's Get it Right for the Wrights!
(THIS IS A POST FROM LAMB INTERNATIONAL FOR THE WRIGHTS - WITH THEIR HUMBLE PERMISSIONFOR US TO DO THIS POSTING)

Dear Friends of the Wrights,
We all know and understand the effectiveness of the work John, Julie and family have done in Kyrgyzstan – the country they love so much and have been called to.

Let's get them there ON THE GROUND full time!

We can do this.
This post is coming out with other blog posts all over the country – people who have blogs that know the Wrights. Let's shock them with the provision of financial resources and letters/notes of encouragement to help them return to Kyrgyzstan.

They want to go as full time missionaries – they just need our help to get them there.
We propose that we raise a minimum of the following:
$20,000 to cover a year's needs on the home front
· Home expenses – the place to come back to
$30,000 to cover a year's needs on the foreign front
· Travel in and out of the country with family 2 x a year
· Travel in the country to the different sites
· Family expenses – including the educational needs of one daughter
· Lodging and meals

This is just $50,000.

We can do this and we can do it quickly.

Here is how.

Go to JOHN'S Blog and hit the button on the top right hand side of the blog it is for the Wrights….support.
http://www.actofkindness.blogspot.com/
AND guess what – you can watch all that is done there on his blog..you will learn to live vicariously in a healthy way by reading and supporting the RIGHT cause. What an opportunity – Will you help?
Let's do it RIGHT FOR THE WRIGHTS!
Blessings,
Lynn and Ruby from LAMb International

Studying the Ojibwa Creation Story

copyright © 2009 Gabe Vadas. All rights reserved.

Every journey has a beginning, so I thought it would be best if I started from the beginning.

What do I beleive about creation?

I believe that by Gods magnificent creative power and command he created everything. The universe, earth, trees, rocks...everything. By His creative power he put it all together and made it all work. He made us in His image and gave us the breath of life. We are no accident. We were created. We were not monkeys and I nor any of my ancestors were monkeys. All things in heaven and on earth are under the dominion of one God.

What do the Anishnaabe believe about creation?

I will find other creation stories, but this one really intrigued me. It is from a great Ojibwa painter by the name of Nokomis. She has a website that tells stories of her childhood and she also explains some religious and cultural concepts. You can visit her website at http://www.native-art-in-canada.com/creationstory.html

"Kitchi-Manitou had a vision. He saw in his mind all the suns and the moons that we know and all that we don't know. To our sun he gave the power to heat and light the earth. To our earth he gave the power of growth and healing. To the water on the earth he gave the twin powers of purity and renewal. To the wind he gave the power of the breath of life itself.

Kitchi-Manitou saw that on this world there would be seasons and patterns of existence. There would be life and death. There would be joy and sorrow. Some creatures would walk, some would fly, some would swim. He perceived their feelings and their needs, now and forever, and he envisioned how making one life interdependent on the next could provide for those needs.

And then from nothing, Kitchi-Manitou created this world, the universe and everything in it that we know and everything that we don't know.

And because you and I and all others things - both animate and inanimate were created by Kitchi Manitou from nothing but his knowing that it was possible- we will always be part of his spiritual essence.

That is how I was told the universe came to be. It was created because Kitchi Manitou knew it was possible that it could be."

Thank you Nokomis for helping me understand and see.

When we asked God who He was ,he said "I am". If thats not a mystery, I dont know what is. His name was so Holy early people dared not to even speak it. I fully understand why He would be called Gitchi Manito. Gitchi Manito means "great mystery" I fully see why we could only experience Him through His creation. It is said in the Bible that we could not even look upon Him. Moses had to look at a bush instead. He also had to take his shoes off for even the soil under his feet was Holy.

We see that the Ojibwa believe in one creator. We call Him God and the Anishnaabe call Him Gitchie Manito. It is the same God. In a very real sense, it is the same story. It is the same truth, expressed by two distinct cultures, seperated by continents and separated by thousands of years. I find the implication of this to be astounding.

Reflection on Hatred

The least will be most…the most will be least.

When I was young, I played cowboys and Indians. I always wanted to be a cowboy. They were such hero’s but my conscience started to bother me about it all. The Indians were so wise to me and actually seemed peaceful. I began to feel like the cowboy was the bully. So I turned to hating the Germans. They were an easier target. It was much easier to hate the Germans, especially with WW2 still in everyones memory. Well once again, I was wrong!

I married a German girl and I fell in love, not only with her, but her family, her culture, her people as it were. Since embracing my wifes Germanic heritage, my life has been richly blessed. When I was conversing with a cousin from Germany I learned that when they played cowboys and Indians, the Indian was the good guy and the Cowboy was the bad guy! Could it be that my “old enemy” was wiser than I?

Now, here I am reflecting on our first nation people. After a life time of worldly pursuit,
I once again stand at a crossroad. I cant help but feel that I belong on the little road that is less travelled. Though the road is tough and hard, it is full of love. Though I am weak, the journey gives me strength. At the end of this road, there is peace and grace. The Lord will be standing there to greet me and I will smile when I see my native brothers and sisters there…beating the drum.

Lord God, please fill me with your wisdom and continue to walk with me I pray. You are greater than google earth and greater than a GPS. You are faster than the highest speed internet , You are stronger than crazy glue and Your warranty never runs out. You are wiser than Phil and more beautiful than Opra. You are bigger than I ever imagined and every time I try to define a box to keep You in….You burst out. Lord God You are far greater than I can even imagine and in this sense Lord, You are a great mystery to me. I guess that is why they call You Gitchi Manito. All praise, honour and glory to You. Lord God I pray for my new friend and mentor Apey-Benasi. Would You continue to bless him Lord and give him the gift of Anishnaabe tongue.

another visit

do do do lookin out my front door......I wish!

We went to take a look at my River Valley dream home. I wanted to see how things looked in the dead of winter. The dream lives on! Despite a warm snap and a heavy loss of snow, the river was still well within its banks. We met with a local fellow...a future neighbour perhaps. There is a nice spot for a large garden and there is a small chicken coop and run. The garage also has a chicken coop and a place for rabbit cages.

This is a small wood shed. The land was logged 12 years ago. There are logging trails and roads throughout and the trees are starting to fill in again. The trail runs along the river to the beach and then over to a snall lagoon where a creek joins. It is deep and sheltered and that is where I envision keeping my boat. There is 40 KM of navigable water.

The snow was too deep to walk the trail. We should have brought snow shoes!

There are some impracticalities with living so far from "civilization" as it were. The thing is...its a dream. What good wood life be if we didnt follow a dream? Time ticks, things change, I get older and fatter. I need to challenge myself. I need to stop dreaming and just do it!

I want to learn how to make a small foot print on this planet. I want to challenge myself to live from the land that the good Lord blesses me. I want to caretake that land, love it, care for it, live on its abundance and give back to it. This land can do that. There are enough dead or rough wood to heat my house. There is fertile land for our gardens. There is fish in the river. We will learn new skills and rekindle old skills. Together, Sue and I will build a new homestead.

I just continue to pray that the timing will all work. I promised not to sell my own house until Deb is finished in June.......drum roll please.

Hello My Friend

I got your letter. Thank you. I must say you are absolutely beautiful and I thank you for the pic. I've always thought that your internal beauty is much greater than your physical beauty. I will take it home and show Sue and Deb. You have a very kind face. I promise to keep your picture safe and personal. I see joys and sorrows in your letter. Keep Truckin' is a phrase that us red necks use. So Keep Truckin'....oh.....hows your guitar playing? hahaha and I smelled your letter...Versace eh. That was an added bonus! You brightened my day today and I think kind thoughts of you always.
daddio

My Art - Part Thirteen

"thunderbird" © copyright Debbie Wright

This is a piece of art made by my daughter Debbie when she was in primary school. It was part of an "art L'image" presentation where the students learned artistry and art forms. This piece is done with tempra paint and crayon. The art itself is a Thunderbird. The Thunderbird has great significance to our native people. It now has great significance to me.

I especially like this piece because it was made by my daughter and I have a keen interest in Native Art....well done Deb!

My Art - Part Twelve

"charity"© copyright Eric Clapton

Is this art? I think its art. Though it looks like a guitar, its certainly not playable. This hangs on the wall in my office. It is signed by Eric Clapton and comes with a certificate of authenticity. To me it represents art. It represent amazing creative talent. This was signed as part of a charity event, so it reminds me of charity as well. An unplayable guitar, hanging on the wall.......its art to me. Its a link to one of the greatest guitar playes that ever walked the face of the earth. Oh and it makes my great friend Mark VERY Jealous. In a sick kind of way...that makes me a little happy...doh I didnt just say that did I?

My Art - Part Eleven

This is the largest piece of artwork I have. It hangs above my couch. It holds a special place in my heart. My mom bought this for us when my father died. She and I were out shopping and We saw this print. We both fell in love with it. I told my mom that it reminded me of the drive and visiting them. The pastures around Bobcaygeon look a lot like this. The picture itself reminded me of my mom and me. I do in fact have a brother and sister, yet this picture is more personal. It celebrates the fact that I have a loving, caring, supportive and strong mother who spiritually stands by me in the great pastures of life. Sounds corny but I'm almost in tears thinking about how blessed I am. This Artist proof is 25/75 and it is apty called "Northern Pasture" It was made by a local in the Bobcaygeon area by the name of Chuck Burns. He teaches art and runs artist getaways.......hhhmm maybe some day I should take one of his classes.

My Art - Part Ten

This is another print from Ken Kirkby. This style of painting is what made him famous. The picture is of an Inukshuk. People have been facinated by Inukshuks and you can see them on the sides of the road on various highways here. I'm thinking specifically HWY69 near Parry Sound. These in Parry Sound of course are not ancient Inukshuks, but built by people with an interest in Inukshuk. The print is is an Artist Proof 29/30. It was a gift to me because I showed interest. I was facinated by the print and my client said "You do such a great job for us...I want you to have it." She is friends with Ken Kirkby and she is the person who gave me the "Mated Pair" print. Maybe some day I will go to the Arctic and see an ancient Inukshuk.

My Art - Part Nine

"Squirrel Drum Dancer" Copyright John Laford

This print is by John Laford who is an Ojibwa artist from Manitoulin Island. It bears the writing and description of "Squirrel Drum Dancer - 102/135 - Jahn Laford 90" John Laford paints in the now traditional "Woodlands" style. We bought this print around 1991 from a friend of John Laford's. This print was unique, as he was experimenting with pastel colors. Typically the colors on paintings like this are vivid and bright. This one is softer. I have learned that this piece was part of a greater collection of "Squirrel Drum Dancers" I saw the collection on the wall at a dentist office downtown while on work. John Laford is a great native artist and I hope to some day aquire an origianl. My friend who knows John has begun to sell hand made paddles with a Laford original on the blade. Some day.....

My Art - Part Eight

This print represents the great hockey rivalry of Montreal Canadians Vs Toronto Maple Leafs. As a boy growing up in Quebec, I was a Montreal Canadien fan and then I moved to Toronto. I met my wife who was a Toronto Maple Leaf fan. I am a turn coat!..but I did it for a greater love. I especially like this print because the Maple leaf player, flambouyant Eddie Shack, is face washing the Canadiens goalie. It gives me quiet joy while honoring the great Canadian past time - Hockey. This limited print is signed by the artist Alan Kingsford and contains also the signature of Eddie Shack. It is #314/590 and also contains an authenticity stamp. Not that that really matters. Its the picture I like and what it represents.

My Art - Part Seven

This is my only purchased "photograph" art. I bought it in the airport terminal in Halifax when I went to Nova Scotia on business some 15 years ago. I bought this photo because of the Piper and because it exemplifies my heritage. My great great great .... grandfather landed in Halifax in the late 1700's from Scotland. They settled in Cape Breton before making their way across this country. The Piper reminds me of my Scottish and East Coast Canada roots. It is Named "The Piper - Nova Scotia" It reminds me also of my grandfather Robert.

My Art - Part Six

This is an origianl that my brother got for me in Kyrgyzstan. It is titled "Kyrgyz Republic - Bishkek 2005 - Kadyr Bekov" I think it is done with watercolour, yet some of the colors are more vivid, like acrylic. It is a masetrfull piece and I love it because it reminds me of my brothers mission work in Kyrgyzstan and also my musical contribution at some of the fund raisers. Kyrgyzstan has become my brothers second home. Some day perhaps, I too will visit.

My Art - Part Five

This is a picture of our house when we first bought it. It was done by Peter Birze and it was a gift from his brother, our freind, Martin Birze. This picture was done in chalk. Peter is an amazing artist. Most of his work is large and abstract. He did a breathtaking series of paintings I call "Mick" because One can see Mick Jagger in the abstract. I dont know if he is still painting but I sure would love to see him again.

My Art - Part Three

This print is called "Mated Pair" and it is an Artist Proof Limited Print by Ken Kirkby. He is a celebrated Canadian artist. You've probably seen his Anukshuk prints. This one is AP16/30.

I love birds. I have always especially liked Geese. Not sure if you knew this, but Geese mate for life. In the city centers, geese dont bother to migrate. Out where I live, they still migrate. The geese migration is like a turning of the seasons. They land in the feild across from me in great numbers and they love to clean up after the farmer.

I love the clouds in this one. I like the emptiness or the solitude of these two birds alone. I get the feeling they are leaving but I could be wrong. Magnificent birds! This print is on the floor in my office, although I'm thinking about bringing it home. I have to either download or re-arrange...not sure which yet.

My Art Collection - Part Two

A friend of mine went to the Pacific NorthWest for work. I asked him to pick me up a Pacific NorthWest Print. The Haida people are known for their prints and their distinct style. This one is titled "Bear" and it was created by Robert Lynn in 1984 and it is print number 19/50.

I like this print because when I asked for my buddy to pick me up a Pacific NorthWest print, I already envisioned this. I like the simplicity and the 2 colors. Red and Black. This print sat in my closet for years because I broke the original frame. I just had it reframed. I think they did a nice job. This print is also on the wall in my office.

My Art Collection - Part One

I love art. I wish I could paint. I enjoy looking at art. I have a few pieces that I have gathered over the years. Most of my art are limited Edition Prints. I have been told that they dont really appreciate in value. Thats OK. I have acquired all my art because I either loved the piece, or loved the artist. I expect my collection to grow because of the appreciation and desires that I have. In the meantime, Let me introduce you to some of my pieces........

This is a watercolor by Gary Chick and it was given to me by my boss. I had taken my daughter out to see the Osprey at Guelph Lake and I recounted our adventure to my boss. He knew a fellow that was interested in Osprey and who had painted this beautiful water color. He bought it for me and it hangs on the wall in my office.

This painting reminds me of freedom. I envision this bird flying as only an Osprey can. I see hunger and intent in his eyes as he spots movement and prepares to execute the perfect kill. These birds are truly magnificent to watch. If you ever want to see them, let me know and I'll tell you about a great little blind that watches over a nest.