Fishing Ritual, acrylic on panel, 25 x 30 inches, 2020
"Fishing Ritual" reflects on recreational angling as a ritualistic reenactment of an activity once rooted in survival. In Canada today, the popularity of sport fishing has evolved to occupy larger economic importance than commercial fishing. As result an artificial marine landscape has emerged in which fish are artificially released each year for the enhancement of recreational angling. This painting explores the tensions that exist between the way that outdoor activities bring a sense of connection, freedom and joy, and the contrasting yet often imperceptible economic constructs that shape our understanding of “the wilderness”.