Floatmount 12" x 20" Limited Edition Giclee Print, 2012 (Age 17)
 
As I was walking around downtown Hamilton taking photos of some very old buildings, one of them caught my eye. I looked up and saw a curious scene unfolding. Upon ornate weathered dormers protruding from a loose-shingled roof, a fake owl was perched on the peak surrounded by undaunted pigeons. The plastic owl, set up as a decoy, was unsuccessful in scaring off the pigeons, kind of like scarecrows with birds perched on them. These little guys are smarter than we give them credit for, and probably pushed over the owl themselves! It was not until one brave pigeon went against the status quo, realizing the owl’s façade created just an imitation of fear. I found this scene ironic and humorous, and together with the old ornate dormers was inspired to do an original composition of it. I felt this painting illustrated how in life we have perceived fears that turn out to be false; it is not until we face them that we will ever know the truth. It is interesting to see how through the man-made world and the world made by God, metaphors often arise in this relationship.