High Level bridge

40” x 50” x 1.5”
Acrylic, flashe, ink on canvas
2021 - 2022

A way in and out of the City, the way she preferred to take to avoid crossing lanes on Main Street. The scenic route. The gritty industry and the beautiful water all in one epic view. There’s something freeing about the way in and out: a constant reminder of what is in the rearview mirror and what possibilities lay ahead. The bridge between two worlds, old and new, good and bad, bittersweet and joyful. A physical reminder that there’s always a way out, and there’s always a new way in.

This painting was originally completed in 2021 and previously entitled Crowned in Gold which is shown as the last photo.

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The I Used To Hate This City collection embodies a celebration of self-empowerment, rage, persistence, triumph, perspective and resilience. It explores the evolution of the artist’s relationship with the City of Hamilton over the course of the past year as it shifted from Love, to Hate, back to Love again. These themes coincide with what the artist has experienced on her personal journey but also touch upon her observations of the City during recent times of gentrification, isolation and political change.

The paintings in this collection began as self-portraits that have since been covered with layers of paint, spray paint, coffee, and gold leaf to form abstracted depictions of Hamilton landmarks that are reminiscent of the new memories the artist has created in familiar places. 

The idea that the artist's previous and new-found sense of identity is strongly tied to various landmarks for the worse or the better is a relevant aspect of this collection and a reminder that while our environment may feel static and permanent, our minds and hearts are in a constant state of change and growth.