Dan (at 55 years old) has dabbled in many art forms over the years, while trying to run a metal fabrication business. However he has struggled with finding success and often suffers from depression. The winter of 2021-2022 was particularly difficult, and as the spring approached, prospects for work seemed grim. When suddenly getting a call that his mother had a terrible massive stroke and was in intensive care in Newfoundland.

   Flying to Corner Brook and spending time with her and her closest family, we all awaited the inevitable. She passed 3 days after. 

   Realizing that the bottom of a long slump had come, Dan worked hard to make the best of an incredibly scarring time. The sadness turned to relief when Bobby White, Counselor of the Qualipu first nation with the help of Arlene White and Mutchie Bennett, performed a Sacred fire ritual to help guide Margaret's spirit onto the western path, to the great beyond, and to allow healing to occur for the bereaved that were surrounded. 

  This was an incredibly life-changing moment for Dan. A spiritual awakening one might say. As soon as Dan arrived back to Nova Scotia he began to paint, and discovered a talent he did not know was in him. Dan believes his mother shared a gift upon her passing and these paintings are the result.

 Msit no'kmaq (all my relations)