I finally realize the impact Bruce Head has had on so many people. I’ve known Bruce all my life, and I’ve always loved his work, this last week though, really brought Bruce the Artist forward. While his work certainly has always been important to me, this week I learned so much more about Bruce himself during his memorial.
There was support from all areas that stepped up to make his memorial evening a success. The Winnipeg Art Gallery not only gave up space to hold the event, but Stephen Borys, Director of the Winnipeg Art Gallery, came and spoke about his experiences with Bruce. He talked about Bruce’s collection of work as “a lesson in Canadian history” and a “tremendous gift to our community”. People had come forward and designed, printed, folded, and stitched the programs for the evening. Others donated the paper, and the result was the evening was a shining success honoring an amazing man.
The gallery became a celebration of Bruce and his work. Throughout the building, many of his paintings were on display, as well as a large selection of pieces for sale. In one area we put together a table that gave attendees an insight into how Bruce worked, which showed his paints, his tools, his perpetually cold mug of coffee, and a half eaten peanut butter cup.
As I sat in my seat and got ready to stand in front of a crowd of people and pour my heart out, my hands felt sticky, and my breath became short. I followed in the steps of people who were obviously more familiar with speaking than I, but I had a message. I listened to their stories, and how easily they seemed to deliver them to the audience. Finally it was my turn.
Thankfully, I was able to steady myself, keep focused, and complete what I feel was one of the most important presentations I’ve ever done. Yes I did stumble, and yes my voice did crack, but I managed through it down to the last barely audible “Thank you so much Bruce.”
After I sat down again, I could finally let the emotions go as I listened to words from Bruce’s family. Glenn, Grant, Toni & Tara, and Judy. Again, more stories, more tales of Bruce and more words of appreciation for everyone who came to pay tribute to the Man.
At the reception, I was approached by many family and friends assuring me that my speech was very good. Even Stephen Borys came up and spoke to me and thanked me for mentioning the WAG on my blog. To think the director of the WAG had read a post on my blog or was even aware of it!
At one point, I was speaking to a couple of young girls, neighbors of Bruce’s and they asked me if I was the one who painted with the Q-tips. I said yes, but that I wasn’t the only one and there was another artist that Bruce would have been talking about. As we talked longer they suddenly pointed at me and exclaimed “you are the one!!” I had mentioned something that Bruce must have passed on to them, I was thrilled. At that moment a realization hit me that Bruce appreciated my work and was proud of me.
