It has been said that a picture speaks a
thousand words. That is so true. My watercolour of an owl that I painted back
in 1987 did not just speak a thousand words . . . it
delivered a heartfelt speech!
"Look at my chest, my belly and my
wings. They have no definition. My tail is half rendered and the details are
missing. If not for my head that you managed to fill in before you put your
brush away, it would have been difficult to tell if I were a confused bird or a feathered
cat. At least with my fully dilated eyes, everyone will know that I am The
Unfinished Owl.
I get tickles from the title you have
given me. You sure have a good sense of humour. For the 27 dormant years you
made me wait, there is no doubt, Procrastination is the perfect name. It is
quite amusing. It makes people laugh. But arguably, procrastinator - you are
not. You are simply a man who knows his priorities; giving importance to what
matters the most.
From the day you walked away, in every
year that passed, I watched you balance your precious time. Between
your two other passions: photography and writing, you chose to put your
family first. And what amazed me more than anything else, in the midst of your
busy life, you always have time to say a prayer and be grateful to your God,
each day.
After all those years, you have grown so
much older. The youthful looks have vanished. But beyond this ageing artist
standing before me, I see a self-fulfilled man who has lived a simple, yet
meaningful life.
Look at you now. A grandfather to four adorable grandchildren and still happily married to the same
woman you love. You must
be proud. All the Christian values you taught your three daughters are exemplified
in the persons they have become; inspired and driven by their father's positive
outlook in life.
With your unyielding perseverance, you
challenged your own limitations. Unafraid to push boundaries that stood on your
way, eventually validating yourself as an accomplished photographer and a
published writer.
The underlying message in your photography
as well as the spirituality in your writings have brightened one's gloomy day,
touched some hearts and have inspired many others.
True to your words that good things happen
only at the right place and at the right time, you proved that it was worth the
long wait. The day you returned and had me framed, I had a feeling that
something good was about to unfold. And with the stamp of approval from an art
juror, my hunch was reaffirmed. I knew then, there was no turning back. Nothing could stop us. You and I were
on our way . . . heading in full speed to our first ever -- Art Exhibition!
There, at the 2014 Art Guild of Scarborough
Fall Art Show and Sale, you made me feel like the most valuable painting in the
world. The hefty tag price you had put on me was flattering, and your hope that
no one else could afford to take me home was even more endearing. Your wicked style made me stand out above the rest.
In the midst of the art exhibits, I was one of a kind. Whimsically unfinished, unique and so original; worthy of
recognition and award.
Finally, I am happy that the waiting is
over. Now is my time to rise and shine. It feels good that after 27 years, I am
not incomplete after all. In the next two decades, I may out-live you. But as I continue to exist, my
big nocturnal eyes will forever reflect your brilliance, artistry,
originality and your story.
To you my dear friend and my creator, thank
you for keeping me in your family. I am deeply honoured to be a part of a
legacy that your children, grandchildren and future generations will remember
you by."
-The Great
Horned Owl
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| The 2014 Art Guild of Scarborough Fall Art Show and Sale |
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| Warm reactions from fellow procrastinators. |
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| The Procrastination Team: The Owl and The Artist showing off the Honourable Mention Award |
