One of our many human gifts is the right to change one’s mind. Today it is this way, tomorrow that way.
I have a long history of Trump-worry. In March of 2017, I made a piece thinking of him. I worried: not sure of my stance. I changed my mind, but it took 7 years to add it to my blog. It is called Flowers Brogue and Trump, and you can see it on my website where you can also learn how to make a porcelain iris.
Sadly, I still can not understand how a convicted felon was elected and is running the largest, most powerful office in the world. Either I am missing information, or this is just very bad screen time. It seems real and un-real at the same time.
I am 100% Canadian, but all my grandparents lived in the USA in the late 1800’s. My dad’s father rode a horse across the Canadian border in 1904 from Colorado wearing six guns. He started a wheat farm and hung up his revolvers. My mother’s family, all immigrants, lived in North Dakota, and moved to Alberta in 1906. All hard-working American farmers and good people becoming Canadian pioneers. Not bad!
My Grandparents all showed great care for their neighbours, and they all helped one another out when needed. It was just what you did, and it was done happily and respectfully. They trusted one another. In my village we still do that.
My American grand parents would be appalled by what Agent Orange is doing to his neighbours. If you cannot trust someone, they can not be your friend. Ever.
Appalled and ashamed.
This makes me change my mind. I will never mention my American heritage again. Period!
As a concerned Canadian artist, I can almost do nothing that helps. Almost nothing.
React.
Paint.
Move on…
I wrote old art school friends and asked if they were still working/painting in their studios. My friend wrote, “We are painting away, generally making unwanted paintings, so I guess it’s become a kind of therapy.’ I wish I had said that first, because I feel the same way.
I was not going to make these paintings public, but I changed my mind.
Here are some paintings that I finished over the winter.
For my still life, I needed a USA flag. Our daughter Marnie came to my rescue. The big A delivered one overnight to her, and next day I set it up. It is 100% plastic and was made in China. Cost $9.95. No tax and no delivery charges. It all comes together. Amazing.
Enjoy!
And yes, one painting has real walnuts for stars. The other has band aids that I made up out of canvas. Both paintings have “Agent Orange” wedges.
After finishing the flags, I moved on to a very beautiful place. We have a service berry tree in our yard. Among other birds hanging out, there is a Red Bellied Woodpecker. It does not have a red belly–maybe orange was working on the naming—but it has a very red head, and a beautiful presence. I took on the challenge and enjoyed it. I am working on a Canadian Blue Jay too, and it is going well.
Kind thoughts,
Harlan
Comments 18
Thanks Harlan you have caught many of the feelings, incredulity and helplessness many of us feel. The sun is shining here in the Cowichan Valley. Time to go pick a few weeks and plant some seeds. Cheers eric
We benefit from your change of mind.
Thank you Harlan.
Thank you Harlan.
Your words and images strike a chord.
We Canadians are appreciating what we have.
All of us. Together.
Jeff
Wow! Thank you Harlan! I love your comments and I am also heartbroken for what has happened to the United States! But I am very proud and grateful to be Canadian and to be able to see your art and read your prose…so thank you!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and art work Harlan.
You are a wonderful artist. The birds bring me such joy in their quiet composition.
I still have belief in the U.S. So many did not vote that guy in.
Thanks for your brave email.
Andrea
Thanks for this, Harlan!
Thanks for sharing your art and your thoughts. Lets hope Canadians of all ancestry will stand together and weather the storm. Amicalement
Thanks for that piece of our shared family history, which is very foggy for me. Glad to read you and love your redheaded-bellied woodpeckers.
Bravo Harlan…keep up the good work.
Thank you for this, Harlan. America is a place of fear and bewilderment and outrage. And shame. Those of us who have never supported Trump and his administration are doing what they can. Postcards, phone calls, protests. It feels useless some days, but we try.
Thanks, Harlan. Take heart, this bullying freak show can’t last.
Thank you Harlan for sharing your thoughts and artwork. I love the way you write and the story telling is the same in your book. Keep being awesome.
We all have to stand up to the psychodrama perpetuated by that orange rapist .I like your style . Very fond of the misnamed pecker too .
Hi Harlan
I was born in the states to Canadian parents and moved back to Canada when I was eight. I had to decide in my teens to choose either American or Canadian citizenship at that time. Canada has been my home ever since. My roots are here solidly with family and like-minded friends like you. Vive Canada!!
Keep it coming Harlan
How funny! Just yesterday I was wondering…how does Harlan stand in relation to this issue and in light of the upcoming election. I was thinking of emailing you this morning, but found your email instead. Thanks for clarification and for publishing your paintings
. Hi to Marnie!
Very dear Harlan, you’ve done it again! Brought visual delight to the eyes of your beholders, whether through pottery or painting. I am EXTREMELY fond of the woodpecker paintings, especially the second of the two. And the flags? hmmmmm .. a little cynical and a lot hilarious!
Thanks Harlan for your thought inspiring images and words . We live in a border town that made Northern MI. feel like an extension of our own city , lots of back and forth . Now it’s like a death in the family and crossing the border has become an ordeal . I feel very sorry for the Americans . On a lighter note , the Red Bellied Woodpecker is a frequent visitor and is not restricted by any borders ! Lynden Pond in Sault Ste. Marie .