Memories on Paper: The Days of Yore Collection

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ne of the primary themes behind The Days of Yore Collection is memories — making them, capturing them and looking back on them warmly in the years that follow. As time passes (seemingly faster with each trip around the sun), I find myself focussing more on “collecting” experiences, rather than things. The memories that come from experiences stay with me far longer than any physical possessions do. This reflection on the past heavily influenced many of the pieces in this body of work.

My trips to Europe were an inspirational jumping-off point when I was planning this collection. Before I even picked up a paintbrush, I went back to my archive of photos from past travels and sifted through hundreds of pictures I happily snapped while wandering through large cities and small villages I had visited for the first time back in the day. I carefully picked out several images that captured everything from towering historical monuments to scenes with virtually no recognizable landmarks in sight — just simple moments in a new place. Those are some of my favourite travel memories.

When I paint or draw from a reference, my intention is rarely to replicate in precise detail what I see in the photo. Rather, I take elements — the ones I find most compelling or interesting from two or three different pictures — to create a composition that is intentional, unique and meaningful. 

With The Days of Yore, I wanted to keep the colour palette simple, but expressive through tonal variation. I chose Sepia-toned watercolour for many of the paintings because of its warmth and richness, and for the way it evokes a sense of heritage and nostalgia.

That’s just a bit of insight into my creative process and what inspires me. My hope is that the pieces in this collection will spark a memory, a feeling or a moment of reflection for you as well.

You can shop The Days of Yore Collection here.