"Memories"
Ξ May 18th, 2009 | → | ∇ Recent Paintings |
Late last autumn my father, Randy Giffin, suggested that he would like to commission me to do a painting that he, along with my mother, Thelma, would donate to the Hammond River Angling Association in Nauwigewauk, NB. Being one of the founding members of the HRAA back in the mid 70’s it was his idea that he would like to leave something to the association in the memory of himself and my mom. There were no restrictions or suggestions put forth to me what the image might be. All that he said was he would like to see it done before he was gone. Maybe he knew about my scheduling ahead of time? I gave some thought to it and an idea started to brew in my mind’s eye. For any of you that are familiar with the Hammond River in southwest NB you may know of the incredible geological feature that is the Tabor Bridge Pool. A fantastic rock face that has marvelled anyone that has seen it I’m sure for time immemorial. The rocks were folded into amazing shapes and the colours ranged from pinks, blues, greys, whites and blacks. It was an excellent place to fish, picnic, swim or to relax and enjoy the view.
Imagine how disheartening it was to arrive there one day late last summer to go for a fish only to realize that the NB government Dept. of Highways had decided to put a new bridge in and, in all their infinite wisdom, blasted the most important part of the feature to smithereens to make way for a concrete bridge abutment. I was emotional when I first came to grips with what I was seeing. Progress? This was apparently done without any discussion with the HRAA or obviously any environmental group. The HRAA has always prided itself on being a protector of the Hammond River watershed and it’s environs. The shock and disbelief by members and the executive was overwhelming. There was nothing to do but inquire and wonder why something of this magnitude could take place in this day, when we pride ourselves on environmental stewardship.
This became the seed for what I would paint for my commission. Somehow putting a facsimile of this now piece of history at the HRAA Centre seemed fitting. I asked the HRAA to put out the call for anyone that had photos of the rock face to please send them in to the Centre. Alison Murphy (an artist) from the area happened to have taken some impressive shots one day while on a picnic with her family. They were invaluable to me for setting up my image. Thanks Alison! Once the composition was decided upon I thought that it would be great to have some life in the painting. I chose to try rendering my Dad and his great fishing buddy, Bert Delcloo, from a photo that Martin Flewelling had shot many years earlier near our cottage on the same river. Thanks Martin! It seemed fitting to me that these two men that have been fishing together since the year I was born, 1960, would be portrayed along with the Tabor Bridge Pool. They are not fishing, rather they are discussing fly choice and are actively involved in the most important aspect of fly fishing, comradeship. Their lasting friendship and love for the river and the lifestyle has been monumentally influential on many individuals over the years. I have a great respect for them and wanted to paint that into this piece. I feel that I have succeeded in that endeavour.
May 9th was the annual fund raising dinner for the HRAA and the sister organization Hammond River Conservation Fund. I was given the opportunity by the executive to present the painting and give a short speech at the dinner. Thank you. There was a reproduction on canvas that I had framed in the same bird’s eye maple that I had handcrafted the frame for the original. It did very well in the live auction and raised money for the HRCF.
The painting will be hung over the fireplace sometime soon and I will post a picture of that event. Until then it graces the wall in my studio.
The artist proofs have all (5) been spoken for, There are 50 reproductions available of which some have been spoken for. They are $350 and are 12″ x 36″ stretched and ready to hang. Framing is available and prices are available upon request. A portion of profit from each reproduction sold will be donated to the HRCF.
“Memories” Acrylic on canvas 2009 18″ x 54″
Jesse and TY Giffin in front of Tabor Rocks 2002
Tabor Bridge Pool Photo: Alison Murphy
Randy Giffin and Bert Delcloo Photo: Martin Flewelling
http://www.photographyflewwelling.com/
on May 18th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Hi,
Thank you for the notice of your latest work. I have never been to that part of the province, however, I can see why you selected it for your project. The two fishermen adds a nice touch and gives it scale, Congratulations!!
Val Desjardins
on May 19th, 2009 at 7:12 am
Really nice Andrew, I love the details and shapes in the rocks. Adding the 2 men in was a really good choice. Hope to see more work soon!
on May 19th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Andrew, a great job describing the process behind the painting. I too have an acylic on masonite painted by Dick Leyden of North Hero Vt. It was a sad say for the Hammond when the NB Govt bureaucrats decided to wreck one of the greatest pieces of historical ’sculpture’ in New Brunswick, even better than the Hopewell Rocks.
I may be prejudiced with the two subjects, but their friendship and fishing is really something.
David
PS It was nice to see the work at Dieppe.
on June 2nd, 2009 at 1:06 am
Andrew,
I scarcely remember being there years ago, as your artwork historically jas recorded an important (and forever lost and unrepairable) geographical landmark on the Hammond.
The “Memories” will forever be preserved of the special friendship between Bert and Randy in your well executed piece. It will also be maintained (untouched by NB bureaucrats) by our two families; our generation and the next!
I CANNOT WAIT to see it in person.
Tight lines my friend,
Dave
on June 3rd, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Andrew, thank you for describing the process behind your latest creation “Memories”. Knowing this makes your work feel even richer and fuller.
My sentiments are echoed in both your comments and David Delcloo’s. It’s such a fitting tribute to your dad and Bert to have their long standing friendship and love of fly fishing preserved along with the now lost Hammond landmark. Excellent work!
on July 9th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Wow! that is exactly how we felt when we saw the atrocity that took place at the bridge…I had always loved those rock formations from the first time I had laid eyes on them .. and every time we passed I would say, I wish I had my camera…
We moved to St Martins about 9 years ago and travel that route to Sussex and Hampton very often.. Last May/08 when we were on our way back from Hampton,and they were still intact,and we just happened to have our cameras with us … we took about 15 pictures of them… about 2 weeks later when we went that way again.. I could not believe my eyes… destroyed… It really broke my heart …
I felt so thankful we had taken the pictures…
I’m so glad to read your story and find out others felt the same way we did…