Here’s a blast from the past. I made this large diptych back in 1998 and exhibited it in an exhibition we put together called Canadian Shield, in a large 2-floor warehouse space. It’s about 8 feet wide and 6 feet tall. I painted it with acrylic and spray enamel on canvas. I still own this painting and have it in storage.

Over the years I’ve made a number of paintings call The Source. The title obviously refers to Gustave Courbet and his 1868 painting of the same name, although beyond the title, these paintings bear no resemblance to Courbet’s work.

Looking at this picture today, it seems like some kind of battleground for forms and shapes and lines. The whole painting seems to be in agitated motion as if the forms are coming together to become something else altogether. There is nothing pretty about this painting. It’s rough and ready, somewhat awkward and confrontational. You might call it ugly. I think that’s one of the reasons I still enjoy it.