At Rest has been sold.
2020
Acrylic painting
22 x 28 in. canvas varnished with a matte and surrounded by a mahogany frame and a titanium white mat.
This painting is very dear to me as my father is French Acadian and so are many members of our family and friends.
I don't usually explain the content of my paintings however, I will for this one as it reflects a lot of history.
On July 28th 1755, acadians were removed from their colonies by British Governor Charles Lawrence. From 1755 to 1763, 10,000 acadians were deported. They were shipped to many points around the Atlantic, English colonies, France, and the Caribbean.
As far as my painting goes, I have tried to depict a bit of history by adding a British ship which was one of many that took thousands of acadians away from their home. I have also added a shore including acadians waiting for the next ship to come...
Évangéline is a symbol of a young acadian woman who searched for her lost love Gabriel. Their story became a legend throughout the world.
The fleur-de-lis represents French cultures such as Cajun. There are three fleur-de-lis displayed on their flag.
The French Acadian cross marks the period of deportation. The original deportation cross was dedicated in 1929 near the Grand Pré National Historic Site in Nova Scotia.
Finally, the Dory represents the French Acadian flag which includes blue, red, white, and yellow.
You will notice that the dory STANDS still PROUDLY and peacefully at its "new home". Ropes are STRONGLY TIED around the post...the new post... its HOME.
The dory also stands out in the painting as it represents our present time. I've mainly picked darker colours to represent items from the past.
Finally, the reflections on the water represent how their history has reflected on the world and how its ORIGIN and ROOTS will never be forgotten as they will be passed on from generations to generations.
A painting is subject to many interpretations. Those are a few of mine and you're welcome to find your own. All is in the eye of the beholder. 😊
Enjoy!