I am at home among the trees.

~ J.R.R. Tolkien

I quite agree. My spirit finds rest, solace and wonder when I spend time in a forest.

I am also passionate about Tolkien’s work (and C.S. Lewis and a few others!) and since my first reading of “The Hobbit” at the age of 11 or so, I have found myself longing to wander in those forests, those lands whose beauty is timeless and speak to my heart with a clarion call.

I’m sure that reading these stories has helped me cherish our own wonder filled natural world and deeply desire to preserve, conserve and celebrate even the smallest parcel of land.

Perhaps especially at this time (yes, I’m speaking of the lockdowns and restrictions resulting from the Covid 19 virus that has so deeply impacted the world throughout 2020 and now dragging its lumbering, treacherous feet into 20201) I’m feeling the call to beginning a collection of paintings and sculptures that focus on the the magic of our local natural spaces.

We long for freedom and I feel in some small way I can offer moments of freedom and serenity through my work for those who need to be reminded that all that beauty is still out there, waiting for us to explore.

I’m going to lean in to writing and sharing here in my blog. I feel much less scattered and better able to focus here. If you want to join me for updates via email, once a month or so, then please Join Me HERE. I’d love to create a space to dialogue and share together.

~ Ré

This painting - still in progress but nearly done - is inspired by one of my favourite forest walks, along the ancient escarpment cliffs.

Forest Bathing (Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area, Ontario, Canada)

30” x 40” x 1.5”

Oils on canvas