Author Archives: Linda Denis

The image of Bill Reid‘s (1920-1998)  Spirit of Haidi Gwaii  was on the Canadian 20 dollar bill from 2004-2012. So, when I visited the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau this past week I took the opportunity to sketch the original white plaster cast that stands in the Grand Hall. There are only two bronze versions of this sculpture in existence. The Black Canoe installed at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C. and the second and final casting, The Jade Canoe at Vancouver International Airport.

Bill Reid, The Spirit of Haida Gwaii,1986, Canadian Museum of History, Gatineau, photo by Jim Cox

You need to pay to sketch from the inside but the grounds outside are free. It is a great view with the Parliament buildings, the distance dome of the NAG, the Ottawa River and on the Québec side remnants of a stonemasonry building from previous times. As someone suggested, Ottawa should put up a big mirror on this side of the river and they would have this wonderful view. The museum buildings are by architect Douglas Cardinal. If you have only a short time to visit this site the many outdoor sculptures and gardens are well worth it.

The book, The Black Canoe, Bill Reid and the Spirit of Haida Gwai with photographs by Ulli Steltzer and text by Robert Bringhurst enhances our appreciation of the dedication and perserverance of all people who helped artist Bill Reid to complete this sculpture. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1970, it must have been a tremendous effort for him but he quote’s it “gave him a purpose and drive“.

Here are my pencil sketches done in my Venezia sketchbook. The Mouse Woman tucked under Raven’s tail and the Chief directing his loaded boat

pencil sketch, Mouse Woman, 2014

Venezia sketchbook by Fabriano, pencil, 2014

This being the year of the horse, another public equine sculpture was drawn to my attention in Montréal.

Heffel  Fine Art Auction  commissioned Joe Fafard to create a sculpture of Emily Carr. In 2005, a patina coloured  bronze of  Emily Carr (1871-1945) with her monkey Woo, her dog Billie and her horse was completed in an edition of seven. The three auction houses in Vancouver, Toronto and Montréal  have an edition in front of their buildings for all to enjoy 24/7.

Joe Farfard, Emily and Friends, bronze, 1840 Sherbrooke,W, Mtl, Heffel Auction, 2005

Emily and Friends is tucked into the side of 1840 Sherbrooke with all looking to the west. If you walk quickly or drive by this sculpture you may miss it. Not monumental but smallish and intimate it stands between window and driveway. The close bond of affection and trust Emily Carr shared with her pets is felt when standing beside this memorial.

Linda Denis, Kleo, pencil on Bristol smooth paper, 2014

My rendition in pencil of our dog, Kleo.

The warm and balmy scenes are replaced with cold winds and snow. To sketch in a warm place is a special treat this winter.

Linda Denis, Old Stable on beach, watercolour on Arches, 2014

Where to sketch, when you are a tourist? Where ever food is sold or served there is a sketch. On the street of this small Mexican town many eatery have fire pits, piled high with potatoes, sautéed vegetables and a variety of sausage and ground meat. Here we order the papas, one with meat the other vegetables. When it arrives, my friend beside me says it is pâté chinois but just in reversed order. The mashed potatoes on the bottom and dressing on top, his with a big strip of bacon and mine with piles of shredded cheese. Then the conversation starts at the table about what their mother or grandmother put in their pâté chinois. The 2 for one margarita arrives in a plastic cup. We all shut up and eat.

Linda Denis, Salvador’s, watercolour on Arches, 2014

Linda Denis, Mission, watercolour in Venezia Book, 2014

Local architecture sketching is another happening place. You try and figure out the turrets and domes, the beautiful iron tracery and what colour the workmen will finally paint the place.

Linda Denis, Fish Market, watercolour in Venezia book, 2014

The fish market starts every morning on the beach around 6:30 am. A few boats are pulled up with a variety of fish, nearby a juice stand sells freshly pressed orange juice, another guy shouts bolillo[bo-leel’-lyo]. Lots of action but when there is a quiet time, one of the vendors comes over and has a good laugh.  He writes dibujos in my sketch book. Sketching is fun, you learn about the architecture, food, why the water fountain in the park has no water and the benches are all broken and what is happening with the local economy. You feel accepted and safe.

vogue cover, November 2012 supplement, recreated from Nickolas Muray photograph of Frida Kahlo 1939 with actress Salma Hayek.

“I had two accidents in my life-the streetcar crash and Diego Rivera”, from this quote we start to understand the complex artist, Frida Kahlo (1907-1954). She painted “pain and passion”. Fifty-five self portraits of sorrow and happiness, filled with symbolism of pet animals, religious connotations, colour and fashion. Fashion may not be the word used by Frida but she had style. She was proud of her ancestoral roots; wearing ethnic clothing and pre-Columbian jewellery in her portraits

                 “I never paint dreams or nightmares. I paint my own reality.”  

Here in Mexico, street and beach vendors sell knockoffs of Frida Kahlo’s painting for 1500 pesos, her portrait on a bag for 40 pesos or a pareo for 180 pesos.

My  favourite images are by professional  photographer Nickolas Muray  (1892-1965), some of his portraits of her are available for purchase at his website.

Frida Kahlo lives on within her images and we all take what we want from her.

Final note, Jennifer Dickson  collection of garden images ” Giochi d’ Acqua ” at Wallack galleries from February 21 until  March 8, 2014, Ottawa, Canada. She will give a talk on March 8th ” Light and Colour in the Garden “, you need to reserve a space through email with the gallery. No regrets if you attend.

Below are some sketches from my week.

Linda Denis, village, watercolour and gouache, Venezia Book, 2014

For the tourist, the Virgin Mary image is on beach bags, purses, T shirts, just about any clothing item with a space. For Mexicans the image of the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe is the chosen one, located in the Basilica of our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. As we see her, they see her; a mother figure and a protector of all things good in life and here after. The Virgin Mary image is tucked into wall niches, grottos, memorial shrines and always in churches.

For myself, the image of Virgin Mary on the back of Tim Steiner is the one with the most questions. Belgium artist, Wim Dalvoye created  this work of art in 2006. The tattoo art was sold in 2008 for 218,000$. Then exhibited at the Zurich gallery, de Pury & Luxembourg with the agreement the art work would be available 3 times per year (when Steiner dies the latest owner of the art work will retain rights). In 2012, this agreement must have changed as Tim Steiner is disillusioned with the amount of time he is sitting on a pedestal in public places.

Wim Dalvoye: Tim 2006, body tattoo on back of Tim Steiner, owner Rik Reinking

My sketchbook takes me to the traditional spaces; the shrine at the estuary and the sanctuary on the hill. I settle on the niche in the wall at the local hotel and eatery for my images.

Linda Denis, niche in wall, pencil on paper, 2014

Linda Denis, Local hotel and eatery, watercolour in Venezia book, 2014