2025-01-13, The Saint, Painted on the backside of 2000-2001, Bruce Cockburn 2015, 9 Afghan boys gathering firewood. Saints are generally recognized for their exceptional holiness and virtue, often serving as a guiding light of faith and moral integrity. Bruce Cockburn, often affectionately nicknamed 'Saint Bruce,' embodies this spirit through his profound music and unwavering commitment to social and political causes. His lyrics resonate with wisdom and a deep spiritual connection, offering inspiration to many including me, the painter. As Cockburn himself once said, 'The trouble with normal is it always gets worse.' Another wise saying from him is, 'Got to kick at the darkness till it bleeds daylight.' These words reflect his persistent hope and relentless drive for change and justice.
Bruce Cockburn "The Saint" is a remarkable Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist whose career has spanned over five decades. He's known for his unique blend of folk, rock, pop, and jazz, and his lyrics often tackle spiritual themes and global issues from a politically charged perspective. He started his musical journey in Ottawa, Ontario, and has been recognized with numerous awards, including 11 Juno Awards and induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Cockburn is also celebrated for his activism, addressing human rights and environmental issues through his music and public life. AI.
2020, Wear Red as We Go Marching Rome is burning: When I first looked at it, it reminded me of Notre Dame Cathedral burning. It also reminds me of some of Van Gogh’s paintings. If we are burning now, like Notre Dame, we will rise better and stronger." - Marg McCuaig-Boyd, 2020, former Alberta Energy Minister.
"Have Faith, Do Good, and Be Humble" will continue to be my motto, prayer, and New Year's resolution as I enter 2025 at 70. I'll embark on a new painting season, eager to explore and uncover more about myself, the people and the world around me. With dedication and commitment to my passions in the arts, family, and community, I will continue to invite others to join me in painting my artworks.
My 2025 outdoor painting season begins with the spring solstice in March and will be completed on the last Sunday of September. During the winter months, I'll continue doing outdoor art shows and painting outdoors on warm winter days. I'll also move my painting indoors, inside City Hall and the QEII building at the Alberta Legislature.
Since 2017, I've been taking doodle notes and producing political cartoons while practicing freedom of the press inside City Hall and the Alberta Legislature. I will listen and learn from those who rally and protest outside while actively participating in our democracy. Respecting all people, property, and the rule of law, I aim to earn news trustworthiness while maintaining a neutral stance, without judging, as a citizen journalist and painter—a passion in both arts I've enjoyed all my life. Enjoy Life's Freedoms, and Thank a Veteran. The Painter, AI.
Day 9, Last of the Alberta Caribou.
Idle No More, Protest by the Reflection Pool, Sketch.
Alberta Legislature, Justice for Colten candlelight vigil. Colten Boushie (October 31, 1993 – August 9, 2016) was a 22-year-old Indigenous man from the Cree Red Pheasant First Nation. He was tragically shot on a rural farm in Saskatchewan by the farm's owner, Gerald Stanley. Stanley was tried for second-degree murder and manslaughter but was acquitted in Feb. 2018. Wikipedia.
Frantz Fanon was a psychiatrist, philosopher, and revolutionary whose work profoundly impacted various movements and ideologies. Born in Martinique, he became a key figure in the Algerian War of Independence and wrote influential works like "Black Skin, White Masks" and "The Wretched of the Earth." Fanon's ideas on decolonization, liberation, and the psychology of oppression resonate with young people, activists, and environmentalists today. His emphasis on the need to dismantle colonial structures and his analysis of the psychological effects of oppression have inspired contemporary movements for social justice, racial equality, and environmental activism. For young people and activists, Fanon's work provides a framework for understanding the deep-rooted nature of systemic oppression and the importance of collective action. His ideas encourage a critical examination of power dynamics and how colonial legacies continue to shape societies. Environmentalists find relevance in Fanon's critique of exploitation and his call for a more just and equitable world. His work highlights the interconnectedness of social and environmental justice, urging a holistic approach to addressing the challenges of our time. A holistic approach means considering the whole system rather than just focusing on individual parts. In the context of social or environmental issues, it involves looking at all interconnected factors—social, economic, environmental, and cultural—to understand and address problems comprehensively.
For example, tackling climate change holistically would involve not only reducing carbon emissions but also addressing social justice issues, promoting sustainable economic practices, and respecting indigenous knowledge and rights. It's about creating solutions that recognize and integrate the complexity of real-world situations, aiming for balance and sustainability in all aspects. Fanon's legacy lives on through the ongoing struggle for a more just and equitable world, inspiring new generations to challenge oppressive systems and work toward meaningful change. Microsoft, Copilot, AI.
Ode to Jimmy Carter, Palestine.
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