Ode To Rosseau

I was left to my own devices. What to do? An abstract? Hyper-realism? I needed to think of those people who would view this large 6'x9' canvas each day. I thought of the many ways I could express the feelings this family must have when they enjoy their cottage and its surroundings. They must climb the stairs to the upper level before they sleep at night. They must view the canvas as they ascend. The piece should inspire. It should soothe them. It should remind them of exactly where they are. And yet they should always know it is a painting, lovingly produced by a human hand.

So I did some soul-searching, some research and some exploration. I decided not to fight the feeling that overcame me when I visited Rosseau. I wanted to interpret what I felt and saw - I wanted to paint. I painted a piece inspired by the many waterfalls which can be found throughout the Muskokas with obvious reference to one on Lake Rosseau. I spent time in the McMichael, A.G.O and online researching the Group of Seven, Tom Thompson and other Canadian painters of the landscape-and then I painted my Ode to Rosseau.

Sometimes, the obvious answer is the only answer. I loved every second of this endeavour. I hope the guys who are going to hang the piece are just as enthusiastic. I will post photos of the piece on the wall in a future blog- with the family's permission of course.

A woman who purchased a piece in upstate New York sent images to me. She indicated that she might think more highly of her purchase if it was a genuine "Adamo". It definitely had the inscription ADAMO in it (it was gouged in, boldly within a circular raised area) but alas it turned out not to be mine. I experimented with signatures as a young artist as many of us have at one time or another but as I recall, the current "famous" Adamo signature came about after a major battle wtih an abstract canvas aptly titled: Pioggia (Rainfall). I was elated to have finally finished the stubborn piece. I felt a rush and signed it freely, quickly-without hesitation! The piece was worthy of such a signature! Beware of impostors! Check with me if you have doubts!
Actually, I look forward to contacts by my collectors. As for the Upstate N.Y. woman; don't let a signature prevent you from enjoying the piece that you lovingly purchased. There are many artists that paint under many names. If you enjoy the piece-well then it was worth the investment. As for Pioggia, it is owned by a Toronto-based architect who has, I'm told, enjoyed it for the last 20 years.

On Friday, September 3, I was in Detroit, Michigan. I was in the city on business, but I had been told by a client who resides in Windsor that the collection in Detroit was worth seeing. It was an easy 3 1/2 hour drive down the 401 early in the morning. The Detroit Art Institute opened its doors at the usual time of 10 a.m. There were no people in line, no crowds. What followed for me was a surreal experience. I had the museum to myself. The security people and volunteer guides were absolutely fantastic in their knowledge, enthusiasm and professionalism. I for once, was the student. For four hours I looked, listened and learned. In one room, I was able to stand literally centimetres away from a middle-aged Rembrandt. The Picassos alone in another room could buy entire collections north of the border. The entire experience was tinged with melancholy. Some guides were old enough to remember their beloved Detroit in the glory days before recessions, before Bush, before cheap imports, before the fuel crisis, before the Ford Pinto. As I stood in front of the DIA's signature piece by Diego Rivera-a piece dedicated to the positive and negative effects of modern technology-the irony hit me. The piece was completed in the early 1930's. Tough times.
I wondered why it took me so long to finally visit. As a visual arts teacher in the 1980's and 90's I had organized dozens of field trips to European and North American cities. I never once pondered Detroit yet I knew of the collection-many of the works were featured in art history lessons. Ah yes, Detroit was known to be dangerous-you just stayed away. The truth is, on a windy, sunny Friday in September I felt absolutely safe and humbled in the knowledge that I missed an opportunity as a teacher. The DIA is a must see-all aspects of the space are truly remarkable. It is a sharp contrast to our new AGO as it celebrates its art deco and traditional architecture-it also is a safe, interesting day trip for students from the G.T.A.