May 5, 2015
There’s something about Banff! Loving it more each time I return! What could be better than a chance encounter with a Grizzly on the last day of my sojourn? I’d spent some time in Lake Louise area and further up on the glaciers area towards Jasper so on the eve of my departure, it felt right to look at the mountain ranges in BC and there it was: casually walking on the edge of the highway, oblivious of the few gawkers and big trucks now gathering below for the photo ops. The ranger was already there moving his truck in tandem with the majestic animal to protect him/her from fearless gawkers. As I snapped away my photos and video, more cars pulled in and it became a spectacle. The ranger wasn’t pleased. The beautiful, golden furred creature eventually moved up to the higher hill and disappeared beyond it.
Until we see one in its natural habitat, it’s nearly impossible to know how it feels, to be in his presence. It’s better than winning the lottery. The thick golden fur and the large size distinctively marked by the lump on his back… the slow, determined gait. The lift of this snout in the air as if to smell the surrounding, the gorgeous animal is all about instinct. Somehow, some way, he buoyed my spirit and added so much appreciation for nature in me. He made my trip so priceless!!
The Rockies are as magnificent and breath-taking as ever. The glaciers seem to recede somewhat but the covering thick snow cast such an outstanding view, it was beyond beautiful. The temperature dropped to 5c or zero overnight but it was hardly cold. I could be outside with just a vest and scarf. I managed to finish a new painting, inspired by the mountains, the endless ranges of the most beautiful site on earth. No I haven’t seen the Alps but I know, I love the Canadian Rockies much more. It’s ours, a precious gift from nature, something humans cannot create themselves. My love for the Rockies began the late 1980s and it only increases over time. I share this love through some of my canvases; I came out west this time without any preparation for painting: a fresh plate and let inspiration guide me. True to form, Mount Cascade, the first sight of Banff, greeted me as good friend and I was at awe the same way as it impressed me about 20 years before. The mountain has been there for million of years and every visitor to Banff would see the same view so my view of the landscape while inspired by it, holds a different perspective; like most of my works which reflect life experience: there is a deeper meaning beyond what sometimes is too obvious. To artists and myself specifically, our eyes collect and brains process information uniquely, oh how I wish I could stay longer to record on canvas all the inspiration and scenery!
I’ll be back there again soon!
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