I’ve been rather dreading writing this post and due to that I have managed to delay it for much longer than I should have. Part of my problem has been not really knowing what to say, but at the same time wanting to express my gratitude to someone who has truly inspired me.
On December 30th 2009 my friend, my mentor, and my inspiration, Bruce Head passed away.
It was almost a year and a half ago I had the opportunity to go see Bruce’s art retrospective in Winnipeg during the last part of 2008. The sights, the incredible pieces Bruce created and spending some time with him has inspired me to no end.
Since then I’ve enjoyed his counsel on the direction of my art, even the times he made it tough on me. I remember sitting at the WAG (Winnipeg Art Gallery) on the evening of the gala. On display in one particular room was a collection of some of his larger paintings. When I viewed all these magnificent pieces I became overwhelmed by the significance of the work, and the talent behind it all. I sat on the bench and soaked in the patterns, and people around me seemed to disappear. I could feel tears starting to rise in my eyes due to the beauty and composition of the paintings. I could see how over the years his style changed and evolved. And although I never trained under him, at that moment I realized how important his work was to me.
As far back as I can remember our home always had a piece or more of Bruce Head artwork proudly on display. When we moved to New Zealand my dad even carried a large of piece of his artwork on the ship with us. He would trust no-one with it. I am privileged to have his work in my own home. As a child I recall looking at his paintings and describing pictures and feelings I saw. I was never really sure if he intended to put those images in there, but now because of my own artwork I know.
I feel guilty, because my sorrow is selfish. I can’t help feeling that now I will never have a chance to paint in his studio with him. There are so many stories he had that I’ve never heard, and he was so good at telling them. But most of all I’m selfish because there will be no more Bruce Head art, and I have a hard time dealing with that feeling. In my life there was always a Bruce Head piece somewhere near me, even when I hadn’t seen him for years, there was still always that connection.
Bruce was always generous, that’s just the kind of man he was. He came to my wedding, and he wore his best tuxedo (T-shirt). He was a comedian, a father, a teacher, a friend, an artist. I loved when he showed us his paintings, he was like a little kid, and would always say “ya know how I did that?” and then he would reveal his trade “secrets”. He had a comfortable humor in regards to his artwork, and a nonchalant brilliance with his creations.
I love Bruce and will always be reminded of him in the work that he inspired within me now and in the future. I’ll be thinking about his family and what they will have to deal with this year, which I know won’t be easy. I will think of Judy, who has always been a strength behind Bruce, and I know she will continue to be. I will use Bruce’s passing as a time to reflect on the past, and the times he entered into my life along with the affect he has made on us.
Tomorrow I descend to my studio and while I am there, I will pretend that he’s looking over my shoulder and providing me inspiration. I believe he will be there giving me hints and suggestions, and I can be sad and retrospective, while at the same time I can also celebrate what he passed on to me. Thank you so much Bruce.
