Hello! There are times when a painting leads the way long before I fully understand where it is heading.
When I first started working on this canvas, I didn't start out with a specific theme in mind. I simply began painting, letting the layers of the sky and the ground unfold organically. It wasn't until I was nearly halfway through the piece that its core meaning became clear to me.
As usual, in the initial stages, I focused on blocking in the overall shapes, values, and composition.
As the layers built up, the vibrant red structures took shape, standing grounded and resolute against the turbulence above.
That shift brought the central idea into focus. While 'resilience' is often used to describe our ability to withstand difficult times, I wanted a title that went beyond the word itself - something that spoke to what actually contributes to our resilience in the first place.
At the Core is a reminder that we all have the capacity to weather life's storms. At our core, we are strong, loving, supportive, enduring, curious, and creative - all of which make us resilient. The three red forms stand firm against a turbulent sky, symbolizing the life, energy, and connection that keep humanity standing strong through challenging times.
I am happy to share that At the Core will be included in the upcoming group exhibition, RESILIENCE: The Art of Service, Strength, and Renewal, at Station Gallery in Whitby, ON. Two of my other paintings - Just... Apple and Serenity in Between - will also be on display as part of this collective show.
The exhibition celebrates the creativity, strength, and humanity of current and retired First Responders, Front Line Workers, Dispatchers, Veterans, and their immediate family members.
Exhibition Details:
Exhibition Dates: November 7 – December 26, 2026
Opening Reception: November 19, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Station Gallery, Whitby, ON
I hope this painting offers a quiet moment of reflection and a visual reminder of the endurance we all hold within us. If you are in the area, I warmly invite you to visit the exhibition and experience the diverse artistic voices featured in the show.
