Contact Gordon Reid at 1 (250) 505-4142, or by e-mail at reidgord@telus.net
The map series was started six years ago and remains a still undefined work in progress, with a couple of exceptions. I'm not the first painter to look at their country and try to express their feelings in a visual art format. I'm starting to think that this is a task better suited to the writers. Never the less I will continue on for a while longer as I'm on a bit of a mission. I'm discouraged by provincial posturing that diminishes the federal concept of the whole - and that's not a slam at Quebec. The maps of Canada on my work show no territorial political boundaries, but rather the nation as a complete entity. I believe that we are defined as a people by this unified whole. If we let it, the land seeps into our blood and makes us what we are, what ever our ancestry. We need to acknowledge the enormous influence the history and culture of Quebec has had in defining us as well. We are a bilingual country and that's worthy of celebration.I have emotional roots in the soil of Quebec. My maternal ancestors arrived in Montreal in 1830 after five weeks at sea, under sail, out of the Port of Belfast. It is this blood in my veins that I am seeking to honor in the map series.Also I need to express gratitude for their genetic gift of humour, oratory and trench warfare politics. Stay tuned - the struggle continues.
Gordon Reid
The map wraps around the birds like an egg shell - the variety of birds suggests ethnic diversity. |
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Untitled suggesting ethnic diversity with interlocking dependence. |
Reading the stars for direction |
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