Matted Limited Editon Giclee Print, 2013 (Age 17)
 
Print Size (with mating): 20" x 16"
 
Framed Size: 25" x 21"
 
The Olde Town of Stoney Creek where I live has a wealth of historical importance. The Battle of Stoney Creek was the turning point in the War of 1812, when the British Redcoats were able to turn the tide of American penetration into Upper Canada. The organizers of the yearly battle re-enactment, held at Battlefield Park just down the street from my studio gallery, suggested I complete a painting for the bi-centennial (200th year) celebration the first weekend of June 2013. They were interested in the limited edition prints for their museum gift shop. A week later, I received an email out of the blue from a former Stoney Creek resident who had moved away because of work but wanted a painting to remind him of his hometown. With a potential buyer for the original, I decided to go ahead. On a couple of occasions when the winter chill let up, I climbed the long stone stairway at Battlefield Park to take photos from various angles of the 100 foot tall monument, the iconic Stoney Creek landmark erected in commemoration of the battle for the centennial celebration in 1913. As I painted, especially contemplating the flags in the stained glass window, I thought of the subtle metaphor of a Cardinal triumphantly perched on the peak of the stone wall and a Blue Jay flying away in retreat. As a young Stoney Creek artist, this painting is my contemporary contribution to honour the people who bravely fought for our freedom.