The Toronto Years

YEARS

Partial List of Selected Works

1996-1997

Returning to painting after an absence of more than twelve years, I began by exploring some of the philosophical ideas I had reflected upon. One such idea related to the contrast between the ephemeral and the physical.

For example, the series of seven paintings entitled The Smiling Buddha Series, explored the various stages of Buddha, such as his contemplation under a tree, karma, and reincarnation.

In the work, Underground, I tried to imagine my relationship to Earth. On many of my walks, I imagined what lay below my feet, and how Earth was not a static object, but one which rotated on its axis and around the Sun, as part of the Andromeda Galaxy.

1997-1998

During this period I began to investigate various locations in Toronto including The Annex (Bathurst and Bloor Area) as well, Kensington Market (College and Bathurst), and Little Italy (College St West). This led to much of my work during this time, such as Shoreline (Toronto Waterfront), St. Stephan’s Church (on College St.).

The work, 7 Houses, 2 Dogs and a Cat captures the row houses found along many of the Annex’s neighbourhood. An ironic element plays out in this work, in that, there is no evidence of any dogs or cats in the work.

1999-2000

A very important series arose during this period entitled The Riley Lake Series. They evolved from my stay at my friend Vidal’s girlfriend cottage in the Muskokas.

Twenty-two works emerged and were first shown together in the summer of 1999 at the Tux and Wally Gallery in Toronto. Also during this time, some of the work’s inspiration came from visiting the Green Room Cafe, in the Annex. The work, The Green Room, shown below during this period, was created based on the cafe’s interior.

The Green Room, Naccarato, Oil on Canvas, 24′ x 36″, Toronto, 1999