My Walks with Canadain Artist Doris McCarthy

When I was 9yrs old I had my own business of removing unwanted ground hogs from people’s property. Had I ever done it? No! I had my plans. I think I just wanted to hang out with the groundhogs truthfully. I was going door to door in my neighborhood and stumbled upon this beautiful, whimsical house on the Bluffs. I had wandered here before. I rang the doorbell and a woman came to the door all dressed up in a gown, there was classical music playing and people milling about inside. I was told it was an art show and I was invited in. Doris McCarthy was the artist. I told her I was an artist too! I took in her paintings of icebergs & landscapes and fell in love with it all. It was the first time I had a stuffed cheery tomato. What an exciting adventure! Thus began our friendship and many walks along the Bluffs. She inspired me. We bonded over our love of nature, the bluffs, and the outdoors.

 My teenage years came and I rebelled against everything that had meaning for me. We lost touch.

I later went to the U of T Fine Arts program. I admired her from afar. I never forgot our bond or our love and respect for the Canadian landscape.

I still walk our trail from time to time. I walk with her ghost and my Mother’s. I get re-inspired to create and capture the beauty that has always touched me.

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