Canoe

Here are some images of a piece of work I have recently created for an art exhibition at the Mile End Art Pavilion that starts TODAY. The theme was "Whatever Next?" But really I ventured down memory lane. Creating this piece was really quite an exhilarating process, mainly because it was experimentation with something I had never done before.

This was a collaboration of sorts considering the canoe was not built by me, but in fact my Dad in his teenage years along with his brother. Sourcing the canoe is what led me to the concept; a painted "Letter to Dad" illustrating my gratitude and love for all he has done for me. I painted symbols that mean something to the both of us such as hindi words for "dad" and "love" and elephants, as my Dad was born in India and lived there until he was four. I also included imagery of my two cherished teddy bears Wilfred and Timmy that my father gave me; a Centre Parcs logo; my beloved 1971 Beetle that I wouldn't have if not for my Dad; glasses and a motorbike. 

In addition, I wrote a worded letter to him along the side of the canoe which is woven between an array of coloured dotted patterns, which, in reflection, seem to reference aboriginal art.

The exhibition is on until Sunday, so feel free to visit at the Mile End Art Pavilion.

Ruby