This video presents the launch of a new oil painting subject, “TeaCUPS”.  Here’s a little on my inspiration for the subject… 

The custom of “having tea” is ubiquitous around the world.  It’s a ritual of preparing, serving and savouring tea, sharing one experience often as a prelude to another.  Among the other objects and underlying ideas, my collection of teacup paintings  represents personal experiences and discussions that occurred over tea.  I recently traveled to Great Britain and Ireland to connect with my roots and ponder treasured memories sharing tea and conversation, especially with my mother.  In conclusion, I painted this series of “TeaCUP” paintings most of all to celebrate these experiences and reminisce the wonderful relationships in my life.   If you enjoy the video, feel free to share it and leave a comment below.

I have sweet childhood memories of drinking copious amounts of tea with my dolls & imaginary friend “Bacci”.  We sat around my minikin wooden table, laid out with a china tea set, & gobbled up lots of scones with jam.  As I grew up, my Mom & I shared lots of tea & conversation.  Knowing only how to make a “proper” pot of tea, Mom always insisted on serving in “china” teacups.  She  had a few, very lovely pieces, but mostly, she enjoyed her tea from a delicate cup with large yellow roses.  My love of a “good” cup of tea was inherited from my mother, & I now have in my possession several of her favourite teacups.  “Cracked”, an oil painting of one of the teacups from my Mom’s collection is now beautifully situated in it’s new home in Nova Scotia.

Lately, I received a generous & splendid gift of teacups from my friend, Roslyn.  These gorgeous pieces had long been family heirlooms.  While downsizing & considering who might appreciate & make the best use of these timeless delicate objects, Roslyn decided to offer them to me.  I expect she didn’t think they would become the subject of a painting collection…. well, good for everyone, ..you know?  Having met more than… well,…it was a long while ago,… & knowing her well, as a nod to the spirit Roslyn embodies, I titled this collection of teacup oil paintings “Duchess.”