I like the idea of saints, those haloed helpers for every imaginable problem.
These little paintings are inspired by the prayer cards I find left on the seats of my local bus by the evangelically-minded. I’ve done them in earth tones on a baroque blue background, and added a pewter metallic halo to each one.
I’ve replaced the ecstatic expressions of traditional paintings with more human ones of irritation and recrimination, and maybe annoyance at being turned into a symbol.
The paintings of three saints – St. Agnes of Rome, St. Sebastian, St. Peter of Verona – are $150 each, or $400 for the triptych.
They will be featured in the Super Holy Show at the Super Wonder Gallery (876 Bloor St. W, Toronto) this Friday and Saturday night.