Thursday, December 31, 2015

"Let there be Light..."

The close of every year brings about moments of reflection in all of our lives... as we weigh out the events ... happenings... challenges and blessings that we each have faced during during the now rapidly closing out cycle of twelve months.

Being an unabashed romantic and eternal optimist, my own personal thoughts generally tend to lean towards focusing upon the blessings and achievements... and my gratitude for those life gifts. That is my intention again for 2015, though I must truly admit that it is not nearly as easy as in other years this time around. The life challenges for our family have been immense this year... and my spirit has been greatly challenged.

I believe and maintain that Faith... Hope and Generosity collectively form the underpinnings and foundation for Peace and Happiness. This applies to both personal and creative living. In my humble opinion, they are inseparably one and the same. This coffee cup logo points out my agreement in a sassy ... tongue-in-cheek kinda' way... HA HA!!


It has been very difficult... even nigh unto impossible many days this year to maintain Faith and Hope in the face of the world events. In the very face of the most deplorable of human acts and conditions... even generosity seemed unobtainable to lessen the pain and suffering of the unfortunates who faced daily oppression.... hunger and terror in their displaced lives. A state of Darkness seemed to mantle the entire globe.

 But in the face of this all.... Let us each of us with our unique Spirit choose to promote Peace and Sharing... as we do through our blogging. I know that the Light emanating from many posts that I customarily visit... rekindles Hope within my heart. And I thank all of you who contribute that gift so unconditionally for your caring and sharing

Being a "River Boy"... I have always been drawn to Lighthouses... not just for their unique architectural traits. I have always been drawn to the symbolism and the real purpose that I associate with them. As in art... "beauty" must always be in concert with function and purpose. That marriage insures that the viewer be involved in a dialogue of sorts with the subject matter ... and the artist.

When one examines the evolution of the Lighthouse in marine history... one is brought face to face with the fact that the underlying role of the "Light" remains the same today... but that the architecture itself and the role of the "Keeper" have all but disappeared. Most lighthouses are electronically controlled... and are no longer manned. Only in a few very remote and specific sites.

Though the Artist-Romantic within me  rails at the loss... the Realist knows and recognizes that the Light continues to offer safety and service... but in a changed way. I continue my journey content in the knowledge of this fact. BUT... still I still busy myself at recording the remaining presence of those that I can discover here in the Islands and The Great Lakes... with a few Nova Scotians and West Coastals thrown in for good measure.

I would like to share some of these magnificent structures from Canada's Maritime past that I have had the privilege to visit and paint. In choosing them as a subject for this last post of 2015... I challenge each of you to be a "Lightkeeper" in your own existence and art.

Share your "Light" generously... unconditionally and regularly in 2016... Shine on!!


                    "Maritime Monarch, Peggy's Cove Light" - oil on panel 14x12 inches   SOLD


                    "Mare's Tails O'er Ironbound Island Light", NS - oil on canvas 30x36 inches  SOLD


                                 "Nocturne, Rustico Harbor, PEI" - oil on panel 20x24 inches   SOLD


                                       "Deep Cove Light, NS"  - oil on panel 16x20 inches     SOLD


                                  "Winter Watcher, Prescott ON - oil on canvas 16x20 inches  GIFTED


           "River Sentinel, Sunken Rock Light, Alexandria Bay NY" oil on canvas 30x24 inches"  SOLD


                  "The Way Things Were, Salmon Point Lighthouse - oil on canvas 16x20 inches  SOLD


                          "Pulling in Winter, Point Traverse Light - oil on canvas 12x30 inches  SOLD


                           "Silent Sentinel, Squamish Light, BC" oil on canvas 30x36 inches   GIFTED

It seems so very appropriate to end 2015 on my blog by offering my thanks publicly to my partner in Life and Art, Deb. I should like to acknowledge her constant presence... and her magnificent artisan-ship here at The Paint Box Gallery. Without her love... guidance... business acumen and artistic contributions there would be little or no success at the Gallery. She is ... The "Lightkeeper"of my Soul... and "I" am greatly blessed to have "Her" at my side!... Love you Babe... and Thank you!


                 "Sunken Rock Light" 24x18 inch  stained glass design in an oak frame


   "Georgian Guardian, Brebeuf Island Light, Georgian Bay" stained glass  24x30 inches  SOLD



"Ring the bells that still can ring
 Forget your perfect offering
 There is a crack in everything
 That's how the light gets in."

from Anthem - Leonard Cohen





"We can easily forgive a child that is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light"
                             -Plato

Let us shine our love on the world together... to make the world a better place!

Good Painting!... to ALL!!... and Happy New Year!!!
See you in 2016!!!

12 comments:

  1. May 2016 bring us all more light and love and support. At this time of year I always think of the words...Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me...for we all have to start with ourselves. Much happiness to you and your's in 2016, Bruce!!

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  2. Thanks Rhonda... for your kind sentiments and for your many visits and comments during this year!

    Happy New Year to you... and Good Painting in 2016!

    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  3. Beautiful post Bruce, wishing you peace and joy to come this New Year!

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  4. Hi there Lass!... Have missed you on line! Much Peace... Health... Happiness and Success in 2016.

    Thank you for your constant presence and encouragement here on my blog! Look forward to more chats and sharings!

    Good Painting!... and Happy New Year!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  5. Happy New Year, Bruce, to you and yours! I hope that this new year brings peace, and good health, and happiness to your family!

    I am still lurking...and loving...your posts and creations. Thank you for sharing your art, your outlook on life and your family with us!

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  6. Happy New Year to "You" and your family as well Wendy!

    I am so honored that you enjoy my blog and its contents... because I mutually admire your outlook... your positivism and your creative energy as well. We share much in common.

    Thank your for your many visits and positive encouragement... on top of the gift you share through your own site with others like myself!

    Much Health... Happiness and Prosperity in 2016!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  7. Dear Bruce,

    As always an inspirational and thought-filled post. Thank you. I wish you and yours all the very best in the coming year, I continue to keep you in my prayers.

    Thank you for sharing your incredible art work, the Lighthouse collection is beautiful, and thank you for your inspiring posts and kindness. I so appreciate and thank you for your good wishes.

    Best, Suz

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  8. Dear Suz!... Thank you for dropping by and for leaving such encouraging comments!

    Thank you for your prayers as well. Allison completed her final radiation treatment on Christmas Eve Day... the BEST gift our family could ever receive. We celebrated her brave accomplishment with a lovely breakfast out. We continue to be grateful... and hopeful for a full recovery and return to a full and lengthy life.

    I am so glad that you enjoyed the Lighthouse collection... they remain among my favorite subjects to paint.

    Stay tuned... the beat continues in the next post!

    Glad to see your positive mindset and wonderful paintings emerge Suz! Keep the Faith!

    Happy New Year!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  9. A very happy (although belated) new year to you and your family. I wish you all the best health and happiness. So glad that the treatment has ended for Allison and I look forward to hearing about her recovery and gathering strength.

    Best wishes.

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  10. And a Happy... but belated New Year to you and your family Lisa!

    Wishing you good painting... printmaking and exploring in 2016.

    We are blessed to have Allison on the mend and back to her work and passion!

    Rich blessings!

    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  11. Good evening Bruce. This lovely collection of lighthouse paintings, and Deb's glass, are very appropriate for your sentiments. They stand as a constant beacon through all the storms, and guide travellers to a safe harbour.

    I wish you and your family calm waters for 2016.

    All the best,
    Keith

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  12. Good evening Keith!... Beautifully put! Again... we "understand" and "see" the world in a different way than most.

    Beside still waters... and it continues to soothe and restore my soul... still after all of the years and recent life challenges!

    Wishing you and your family those same calm waters and tranquility in your lives during all of 2016 Keith.

    Thanks for your visit!

    Good Painting,
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce and Deb

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