Going to the mountains is going home. - John Muir
Home is where the heart is, and my heart belongs in the forest, in the mountains, amongst nature. As such, I called this painting home. It also feels like a scene taken from Canada or Norway, both of which are my countries of origin.
If you have read some of my other blog posts or seen some of my other paintings in the home gallery, you'll see that nature is a common element in my artwork, as well as a main source of inspiration.
My favourite activity is to hike and camp, particularly across mountains, over rocks, through forests, by rivers or lakes, sometimes the ocean. Birch trees are common and widespread in the Northern Hemisphere. Birch is also my mother's favourite type of tree. Birch has become my favourite tree as well, for it's beautiful and versatile bark. When I am out camping in nature, birch is one of the best natural fire starters, burning up almost the instant a flame touches it. The bark will burn very well even when wet because of the oils it contains.
In both Norway and Canada you'll come across many mountains and forests, as well as large rock formations, both smooth and jagged, multicoloured from whichever minerals are present. Both countries experience all four seasons; I love fall in particular for its diversity of strong, vibrant colours and cool temperatures leading into winter.
In a world of constant change and technological development, I find solace in the simplicity of nature. It is an immaterial, spiritual place for respite. It allows for slowing down, and enjoying the basics of life.
10% of the proceeds of the sale of this item will go to The Nature Conservancy of Canada, Canada's leading national land conservation organization.
Photo of me by the lake, warming up by campfire started with Birch bark in Gaspésie, Canada
Photo of me at Preikestolen, a cliff in the fjords of Norway at a younger age
Photo of me in Killbear Provincial Park, Canada
Photo of me hiking in the mountains in Norway
There is no wifi in the forest, but you will find a better connection. - Unknown
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