we found this ball, 2007

mixed media on paper

7.5 x 8.5”

Sometimes an artist’s favourite is not necessarily what her collectors like. This image has never been popular in my collection. It may look nothing more than a sweet illustration for a children’s picture book. However, it’s one of my top 10 favourite images.

This drawing was conceived when I was waiting to watch fireworks. Every summer in Vancouver, there is an international fireworks competition. Being a fireworks fanatic, I went to the beach four hours ahead to get the prime spot with my tripod and camera. (You can see numerous fireworks photos in my collection.)

As I was gazing into the ocean, a friendly seal swam towards the shore. It came so close that I could see its little eyes! I was in awe of the magical moment—I quickly sketched something down to be finished in my studio.

Looking at this drawing even years later reminds me of those days when I was extremely into children’s literature. I read all the fairy tales, picture books and critical materials that I could get my hands on. It’s not that I am no longer interested in children’s literature. There are just other priorities that took over my life. Even though I am doing what I absolutely love, I still have to let certain things slide.

This drawing also always reminds me of the award-winning book Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie. There is absolutely nothing in the drawing that has anything to do with the story. Maybe in my subconscious, a sea of stories translates visually into a sea of colours. Maybe the jewel-like colours remind me of the magic of children’s literature. That’s such a neat thing about art. Looking at a piece of art may remind you of something completely irrelevant. Yet, oh my god, what a poetic experience!

I like this drawing because it brings me back to those fond days when I was completely crazy about children’s literature. It also reminded me of the days when I invested hours to ensure I got my shots perfectly. And I did that not to make my clients happy (of course that’s very important too), but because “of course” you would do all you have to do to make the perfect shot.

I always say that liking a piece of art is deeply personal. As Tiddy Rowan says in her book At Home with Art, one falls in love with a piece of art because one is “drawn to that artist’s way of thinking and seeing and his or her used of those influences. They may be nostalgic or futuristic or provocative or ethereal.” (page 23)