Georgian bay painting gallery

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 STORIES BEHIND THE ART...

Drift Curiously (2015)  24x18"

Each time I went out to kayak, I kept my eyes open for an Inukshuk, or man-made rock sculpture.  While first investigating the close islands to the cottage where we were staying, I discovered this piece, sitting on the top of a small, lonely island.  I thought many times about climbing ashore to further investigate the work of art, but I also didn’t want to draw any attention from onlookers at nearby cottages.  I reminded myself I was only just starting a long kayaking adventure, so I decided to remain as I was, to Drift Curiously in contemplation as I continued on my way to make more discoveries. 

DRIFT CLOSELY (2015)  14x11"

As a child, I always collected rocks wherever I went, especially when we were up north camping as a family.  I kept the most colourful and sparkly rocks I could find, just to simply hold them and appreciate them.  As I’ve grown up, I still do the same, except these rocks now have a purpose--painting reference!  This particular painting pays tribute to my continued love for the luscious colours and liveliness found in the rocks in Georgian Bay. You have to Drift Closely to appreciate all of the fine details, tones, and sedimentary layers in a single rocky face; however, the beauty of the rocks in Georgian Bay can be seen from miles away.  

Drift to a stop (2016)  20x30"

This island was my favourite, unexpected discovery during my longest kayaking trip.  As I ventured out further into Georgian Bay, the wind increased and my kayak began to drift with the waves, so I had to kayak between islands while making my way to the Point au Baril Lightstation.  When I came around the corner of an island, I found this collection of sculptures already composed.  I had to Drift to a Stop; I was so mesmerized by my discovery.  I then exited my kayak and took pictures to capture as many sculptures as possible in a single photo.   I did not make my own sculpture; I merely wanted to be a witness to a wonderful family of rock sculptures whilst wondering who made them.   
 

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drift to new heights (2016)  24x30"

This was a happy discovery while in the early stages of a long kayaking trip.  I made it a habit to kayak close to the shore’s edge where I happened to come across this beaver dam.  The dam was quite strong as no water could escape from the intertwined branches and trees, and incredibly, the water level jumped about three or four feet.  Sadly, I could not find a safe way to transport my kayak on my own to investigate this new height.  The next time I travel there, I will be sure to take the path unexplored and I will Drift to New Heights for sure!

the launch  (2016)  24x20"

This is the location where many launches took place, not just by myself in my kayak, but also for my father... My father's fishing boat was amongst the group parked at the dock; that morning was particularly beautiful as the water stood still like glass and nothing seemed to move except for the echo of the loons nearby.  From this location, we each prepared for our journey; whether it be to kayak and explore, or to park at the beloved fishing spot, we all enjoyed the thrill of The Launch. 

DRIFT QUIETLY (2017)  24x18"

This is one of my most favourite close-to-home places to dock my kayak.  If I ever needed a quick place to escape to, this was it.  I used to park my kayak between the raised rocks (seen in the lower center of the painting).  I had to carefully lift myself to balance my boat between the shallow rock ledge and the deep water on the right.  Once my feet were grounded safely on the rocks, I would drag my kayak up onto the island before settling with my watercolour paint supplies.  Though I tried on many occasions to make this an en plein air study space, I could never get too comfortable.  Before long, the perfect quiet was disrupted by the echoing of branches that cracked in the distance; it seemed like every time I just settled into my painting, I could hear a bear approaching from far off.  It almost became a game for me to creep onto this island as quietly as possible, but each time I was found out!  That is why I had to Drift Quietly in these waters, both coming and going!

​A Discovery with Dad  (2024) 10x12"

My love for exploring the islands on foot first began when I was a young teenager; my dad would bring my family out to an island on his fishing boat, and after carefully docking it using ropes and rocks, we would have fun exploring the area.  On one particular trip, we were pleasantly surprised to discover this ghostly-white boat fragment.  We will never know of the boat's origin story, but it has always stuck in my mind as a fond memory: A Discovery with Dad.

The swirly rocks (July 2024)

The rocks of Georgian Bay have always been a focus for me.  In 2024, I made it a goal to discover very unique and complex wrappings, folds, and layers; I was very pleased when I came upon this spot on Gibraltar Island.  My 6-year-old son named this one for me: The Swirly Rocks.  

the onlooker (July 2025)

Since childhood, my family has held a few favourite fishing spots in Georgian Bay...  If you have been lucky enough to see this particular sculpture, you know one of our spots!  We have enjoyed visiting The Onlooker; we don't know who made it, or how long it stood, except that enough time had passed for it to grow beautiful moss. Upon our first Spring visit in 2025, we found that it no longer stands, but lies as a pile of rocks on the island.  I wonder if someone will return to help it out...  

Divided Sky (June 2026)

This painting is a true reminder to find balance in life...  The canvas is split 3 ways: the warm, the cool, and the weighted rocks below. Despite the complementary colors and high contrast, there is such beauty and peace to this painting.  Much like our own lives, we need to strike that balance in all the roles we play. This painting for me is a symbolic reminder of my 3 duties: as a family member, teacher, and artist.  It is also a constant reminder of the love and support I have from my parents.  Without them, I would not have had the opportunity to kayak and discover such serene moments in time.  Thank you for everything you do, always. 

Standing strong (july 2026)

I was recovering from a car accident when I began this painting.  I had just finished Divided Sky when I said to myself, "Let's do this... I'll get another painting done."  As I painted, and painted, I became fixated on the scenery and the fact that my whiplash would cause me to miss at least half of my kayaking season... I hit a road block.  I decided for a few days that it wasn't worth painting anymore. I didn't want to confront the fact that I might not acquire any new 'paint-worthy' photographs for the season... I even went into a dark place and felt that my art meant nothing, and that maybe it really didn't matter to anybody.  Was there even a point to painting?  It took some time, and a few days away, to feel the drive to paint again.  My kids inspired me to finish the painting, and I pushed myself to regain mobility and strength, and I finished this painting in just 3 weeks time. Standing Strong is a reminder that it takes strength in many ways to be an artist.  You need to persevere, have patience, and have a positive mindset.  You also need to be brave in showcasing it; my art might not matter to a lot of people, but as long as it matters to me, I need to keep Standing Strong.