It’s Elemental My Dear – For the Joy of It

When I moved to the island of Newfoundland from the prairies back in 2011, I was just as delighted by the lighthouses, jelly-bean row houses, Signal Hill, etc. as all the tourists were. I still am!

But since my art is more about what I see and sense with my eyes closed than with my eyes open, my paintings aren’t as easily marketable here.

The local and tourist markets alike really favour Newfoundland-specific art. I’ll admit, I love a lot of it too!

Sure, I tried my hand at a lighthouse that first summer. And although that painting found a good home with one of my best customers in Ontario, I quickly reverted back to my natural style.

A few years later, a gallery invited me to create a series of more tourist-friendly paintings. Since I needed the money, I gave it a go.

It didn’t work.

Within hours of starting the project, I could feel how out of alignment I’d become. I was doing it solely for the money.

Now, there’s nothing wrong with money. I welcome abundance in many forms, including the financial energy exchange that allows me to continue creating and sharing in the many ways I do. Money is a beautiful exchange of energy and appreciation that honours another’s contributions – this is true whether for art, a meal at a restaurant, or an oil change on the car.

But for me to be true to my Self, the work has to align with my purpose and passion for becoming a full-time artist.

That time, the canvases I was working on quickly reminded me, through the feelings I was experiencing, that I was off track.

Without having my heart into it, catering to the preferences of the market just didn’t work…

So I ended up saying “no, thank you” to that gallery owner’s invitation.

Then, this June, I read a call for submissions by The Heritage Shop, a social enterprise of the non-profit Historic Sites Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.

They wanted Newfoundland-inspired artwork for an exhibition called “Our Elements”.

I got tingles down my spine, an intuitive sign to pay attention.

I LOVE honouring the elements!

Being so connected to the elements on this island is a big part of why I love living here.

So I dove deep into one of my beloved painting marathons and “It’s Elemental” was born.

The title is a play on Sherlock Holmes’ “It’s elementary, my dear Watson” … as I heard “It’s elemental, my dear Dominique” when I recognized the natural fit!

So here you have it: a painting that catered to the tourist market this summer and fulfilled me as an artist.

“It’s Elemental” celebrates the strength of our connection to the elemental energies here on The Rock (nickname for the island of Newfoundland).

Using the vivid colours associated with the 4 elements, it features layers of universal symbolism (the triangles and more stylized symbols underneath) as well as local symbolism for the first 4 elements: 

• Earth: Cabot Tower on Signal Hill, our most famous landmark built on 550 million-year-old rock overlooking the harbour in St. John’s.
• Fire: beach campfires are such a part of life here
• Water: a Newfoundland dory boat honouring a rich tradition of cod-fishing
• Air: Newfoundland is said to be the foggiest place on earth

The final glass bead layer with carved spirals represent the 5th element – aether / Spirit.  As a melding of all 4 elements, glass plays with the light and vibration of the painting’s colours and symbolism to create energy in motion – the Spirit of Newfoundland & Labrador.

It’s Elemental
12″ x 36″
Acrylics & glass bead on canvas.
SOLD