A couple of summers ago, our cousin Carolyn organized a water colour workshop that was intended to explore therapeutic painting. The workshop was marvelous but the theme wasn’t developed as we focused on learning basic water colour techniques. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to return to Nova Scotia to undertake the next workshop.
However, our good friend Nancy in Ottawa was intrigued by the idea. An accomplished painter, Nancy introduced Linda to the Ottawa Mixed Media Association (OMMA) and has helped explore the acrylic medium. Linda paints with music in the background. The mask series were painted to the Beach Boys. They have become my favourite pieces. I had not observed the ‘mask’ element until we were contemplating where to hang them. The clown was lying on the floor and the angle was just right to see the rather angry looking face with the long hooked nose and large white teeth. One wonders how much of the anger and fear are emerging through the suppression caused by the dementia. I guess one shouldn’t make the imagery try to mean too much.
In our New Year’s Day conversation with friend Diana in Edmonton, the subject of Linda’s painting came up. Diana went to high school with Linda in Etobicoke and had a vivid memory of Linda’s artistic skills. At the end of the first term, Linda shared her portfolio from art class with Diana who was so taken with one black and white sketch of a pair of sport shoes that she remembers the detail and precision to this day.
Throughout our marriage there was no indication or realization of Linda’s art ability. She didn’t paint or draw and wasn’t particularly interested in art galleries. It’s only now that this aspect of her personality has shown itself to me. Truly amazing what comes to the surface even after 42 years together and through the challenge of dementia. There is still lots to learn and grow together.
Totem of Fear
Clown
Road Trip
