Cardinal and Sumac

One of the ideas behind "Cardinal and Sumac" was inspired by a Smithsonian Museum display of an authentic east Indian village, complete with villagers going about their daily business. I was strolling through when, all of a sudden, a villager wearing a flaming red turban walked past a rich terra cotta-coloured wall. I was struck by the red-on-red vision - it just sizzled. I knew then I would some day paint a cardinal in sumac.

Most North Americans have the opportunity to see cardinals in their own backyards. The cardinal, however exotic in colour, is one of our most familiar favourites. I like the idea of the cardinal as a representative for Earth Day; it is appropriate that a backyard favourite represent our need to incorporate environmental action into our own backyards - our local communities.