Tempest No. 2, Oil on canvas, 60 x 50 in.

This painting is from the ‘Locutions’ series. The impetus for these works springs from my memories as a young boy wherein I was frequently overcome by fear and anxiety attacks. Sometimes, and I remember clearly two times specifically, at the apex of such an attack a feeling of relief would wash over me, as if someone opened a window letting a cool breeze into a stuffy hot room. This feeling of relief would consume me and ease all my anxieties.  It was as if a divine power enveloped me and told me that ‘everything was going to be okay”.rnrnI believe that was a locution. I’m sure that in every person’s life there are moments when a powerful ‘voice’ or inspiration changes the trajectory of their lives. These ‘messages’ or whatever they may be called can’t be accurately put into words. It seems that an image, or perhaps a metaphor is required to more clearly describe the inherent power-to-persuade these moments represent.rnrnI suppose that the composition of my paintings which resemble the vast landscapes of the Canadian prairies from which I come, and the weather phenomenon known as ‘Chinooks’ of which I enjoyed during my youth while I lived on the prairies have played a role in the physical make up of most of these paintings.  Either way though, I have grown to dislike paintings I understand. Consequently, this series of paintings are favorites of mine.

From the artist’s description