Description:
"Searching for a Place to Ground Myself" is a captivating oil painting on canvas that captures the artist's journey of self-discovery and transition. Inspired by a photograph taken while walking in Redcliff, Alberta, and encountering an intriguing cloud formation while driving to Calgary, this piece invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of navigating life's transitions and finding a sense of rootedness amidst change.
 
At the center of the composition floats a hollowed-out tree, its contorted branches reaching skyward in a silent plea for connection. The tree, twisted and weathered by time, is a powerful metaphor for the artist's journey of self-discovery and transformation. Despite its lifeless appearance, the tree exudes a sense of agency and resilience, speaking loudly to all who cross its path.
 
Above the tree stretches a vast cloud, its oval opening glowing with a mesmerizing red hue. This opening is a portal leading to an unknown destination, symbolizing the artist's desire for connection and belonging during change. The artist's decision to depict the tree being pulled into the cloud's embrace adds a sense of movement and urgency to the scene, evoking a feeling of transition and transformation.
 
"Searching for a Place to Ground Myself" is a deeply personal exploration of the artist's journey of self-discovery and transition. By combining elements from his experiences in Redcliff and Calgary, the artist invites viewers to reflect on their experiences of navigating life's transitions and finding a sense of rootedness amidst change.