Communion

 

"Communion" neomosaic/mixed media on gallery wrap canvas $2025

For the Love of Water

The exhibition “For the Love of Water” opened on 5 February at CAVA (9103 95 Ave Edmonton). My relationship with water began in my teens. Living in a country where water is plentiful, I am grateful for the abundance that surrounds us. Just as these children find the stream endlessly amusing, I too appreciate the pleasure water can provide.  Recreation forms a major part of my self-care. Whether I am relaxing in a bubble bath or swimming in the local pool, water provides the setting for peace and renewal.

Scarcer times

I have also lived without abundance. Residing on a boat during my early twenties, I discovered how to live within limits. We prioritized its use to drinking or cooking. As we had neither shower nor laundry facilities, cleanliness took on a different meaning. A basin, a bar of soap and a towel with a cup of water covered the necessities until we docked at a port of call. First on the list were laundry and refilling our five-gallon water containers. Scarcity enhanced respect in our relationship.

Delight

“Communion” centres on relationship. My daughters playing in the stream embody playfulness and ease. As I watched them, I cherished the delight of the moment. The shade and the cool water made it even more pleasurable. The joy we shared bubbled over into laughter and skipping rocks.

Complex relationships

Relationships are not always easy. The brokenness of my work hints at something amiss. When the glaciers disappear and the rivers run dry, I wonder how we will survive without our green lawns. In the meantime, I am thankful for modern plumbing and readily available drinking water. As for our lawn, it must fend for itself.