Canada: 13 States of Mind. One Heart
10 + 3 = 1 🍁
Canada: 13 States of Mind. One Heart
10 Provinces, 3 Territories, One Country
My adventure will consist of is a coast-to-coast artistic journey across Canada, culminating in thirteen large-scale paintings—one for each province and territory—accompanied by an art book and an exhibition celebrating Canada’s 160th anniversary in 2027. This project explores the diversity, complexity, and shared humanity of Canadians while celebrating community, place, and identity in these tumultuous times.
I plan to travel to every province and territory, immersing myself in each environment. Through photography, sketching, field notes, and on-site observation, I will create thirteen large scale paintings. Rather than producing conventional landscapes, each work will be shaped by conversations with local residents and artists, as well as observation of social, cultural, urban, and natural environments. By engaging directly with communities, I will explore the rhythms, textures, and narratives unique to each region, allowing these lived encounters to guide colour, composition, and material choices.
The resulting body of work will function as both celebration and reflection. Each painting will represent a “state of mind,” capturing the emotional, environmental, and cultural qualities of a place. Together, the works will form a constellation of perspectives that highlight diversity within unity—an evolving portrait of contemporary Canada.
The artistic rationale for this project stems from my belief that art is a powerful tool for dialogue and empathy. At nearly 160 years old, Canada remains deeply diverse yet increasingly polarized. Public discourse often emphasizes division; this project reframes that conversation by focusing on shared stories, emotions, and human experiences. My paintings will capture not only physical landscapes but also intangible atmospheres—memory, movement, resilience, and belonging. Through this approach, art becomes a space for collective reflection and connection rather than debate.