Intersection Art Project - Calgary Pregnancy Care Centre

Connection 36" x 36" Acrylic on Canvas 2016

The Intersection Art Project is now in full swing and I have already booked non-profit groups linked to Encompass Partnerships all the way into May. By the end of 2016 I will have worked with 10 organizations to create a piece of art that represents each of their voice and vision. Some of these will be created in my studio after meeting with the people who are the heart and soul of these groups and some will be collaborations led by me to give the group a neat experience of creating art together. 

For this first painting, I had the pleasure of meeting with the amazing team at the Calgary Pregnancy Care Centre. I was absolutely amazed at the range of assistance they manage to provide to Downtown Calgary, Northeast Calgary and Strathmore. Their team offers one on one consultation, care groups, and resources ranging from books to clothing. This is just to name just a sliver of the needs they cover. Most of their clients are facing an unexpected or crisis pregnancy and it is this organization's job to guide them and educate them about the options they have.

The people who work and volunteer with this organization are deeply committed to loving women of all circumstances and backgrounds. They do this by helping them choose the path that best fits them and then supporting them throughout and after their experience. The painting reflects this through the red loop that starts in the lower left corner that winds upwards, binding the two women's hands together. Growth kept coming up as a key thing to represent Calgary Pregnancy Care so I chose to surround the grasping hands with vibrant lush greens. Energetic lines bring to mind the emotional nature of the path these women will take together.

When working with an organization that addresses women's health issues, it is easy to fall back into cliche pastel colours and maternal themes, but the wonderful team I worked with felt it very important to focus on the relationships and growth rather than pink butterflies or what have you that is often used to depict these subjects. So we departed from that completely. 

I absolutely loved working on this painting with this team - this is a group of people who are passionate about supporting others through a very emotional time. The amount of respect, compassion, knowledge and care that this organization brings to the table is I hope I captured the vibrancy that represents Calgary Pregnancy Care Centre. Our city is so lucky to have them!