Gratitude:
This journey I started to take was one of heartache and gratitude.
Let me tell you a little about it.
When someone takes a moment to reach out and empower another, amazing things happen. I know this to be true. A well known local artist did this for me.
A little over 3 years ago Dr. Dale Auger called me and wanted to have a cup of tea together.
I knew Dale, since I had studied under his mother Rose Auger for over 10 years.
She was a medicine woman of the Sakaw Cree from the Bigstone Cree Nation in northern Alberta. (A story for another time)
Dale and I had spent many times together during that journey. One that comes to mind was at a ghost ceremony that he was holding, to honour all those who have gone before us.
The sun had risen and the people had finally gone.
We sat in the lodge.
Dale playing the flute as I tended the fires.
Stopping every now and then to tell a story or two.
A peaceful memory.
Cup of tea, so there I sat again in front of a fire talking with Dale.
He was excited about his new book, "Mwakwa – Talks to the Loon: A Cree Story for Children".
His eyes were full of mischief.
He wanted me to think of mentoring under him as an Artist.
"You have the gift! And it is powerful. Let me guide you, walk with you, through this and you will be amazed at how quick it goes" -Dale
What does one say, yes of course.
I was intimidated by his passion, his vision he had of my art and how things would be for me. He said he was guided to mentor me and help me find my gift.
I take a moment here to reflect on this, the memories are strong and full of rich colors.
You see Dale was sick.
He wanted me to become very involved in his life. To learn as much as I could.
So our journey began, I started to paint again.
Exploring color, since Dales loved color.
This is how "Dream Bear" came to be.
This painting was my first under Dale's mentorship.
He wanted me to paint with only color.
I explored my scared animals.
These animals in the Cree tradition are the ones that guide you through your journey.
The Bear has always been my dream guide.
It always comes when I am in need of a push in the right direction.
So it was fitting to start there.
How these few years have flown by.
I know I said heartache and it comes with the passing of my mentor.
A large void, one filled with silence now.
As time trickled by, the silence started to turn to a whisper.
This whisper finally became my voice.
Dale passed the torch not only to me but his daughters and son as well.
Truly to anyone who met him.
He was that kind of individual, always helping others find their potential.
Since that time I have committed my life to my art, my wife and my sons.
I am blessed to be surrounded by amazing people!
To be in nature and feel the rhythm of the Earth.
To build up others in their journey.
I take this moment to thank Dale.
To journey back, to remember his powerful presence.
To thank this journey he started with me.
Gratitude.
http://www.daleauger.com
http://www.thomchildrey.ca
This journey I started to take was one of heartache and gratitude.
Let me tell you a little about it.
When someone takes a moment to reach out and empower another, amazing things happen. I know this to be true. A well known local artist did this for me.
A little over 3 years ago Dr. Dale Auger called me and wanted to have a cup of tea together.
I knew Dale, since I had studied under his mother Rose Auger for over 10 years.
She was a medicine woman of the Sakaw Cree from the Bigstone Cree Nation in northern Alberta. (A story for another time)
Dale and I had spent many times together during that journey. One that comes to mind was at a ghost ceremony that he was holding, to honour all those who have gone before us.
The sun had risen and the people had finally gone.
We sat in the lodge.
Dale playing the flute as I tended the fires.
Stopping every now and then to tell a story or two.
A peaceful memory.
Cup of tea, so there I sat again in front of a fire talking with Dale.
He was excited about his new book, "Mwakwa – Talks to the Loon: A Cree Story for Children".
His eyes were full of mischief.
He wanted me to think of mentoring under him as an Artist.
"You have the gift! And it is powerful. Let me guide you, walk with you, through this and you will be amazed at how quick it goes" -Dale
What does one say, yes of course.
I was intimidated by his passion, his vision he had of my art and how things would be for me. He said he was guided to mentor me and help me find my gift.
I take a moment here to reflect on this, the memories are strong and full of rich colors.
You see Dale was sick.
He wanted me to become very involved in his life. To learn as much as I could.
So our journey began, I started to paint again.
Exploring color, since Dales loved color.
This is how "Dream Bear" came to be.
This painting was my first under Dale's mentorship.
He wanted me to paint with only color.
I explored my scared animals.
These animals in the Cree tradition are the ones that guide you through your journey.
The Bear has always been my dream guide.
It always comes when I am in need of a push in the right direction.
So it was fitting to start there.
How these few years have flown by.
I know I said heartache and it comes with the passing of my mentor.
A large void, one filled with silence now.
As time trickled by, the silence started to turn to a whisper.
This whisper finally became my voice.
Dale passed the torch not only to me but his daughters and son as well.
Truly to anyone who met him.
He was that kind of individual, always helping others find their potential.
Since that time I have committed my life to my art, my wife and my sons.
I am blessed to be surrounded by amazing people!
To be in nature and feel the rhythm of the Earth.
To build up others in their journey.
I take this moment to thank Dale.
To journey back, to remember his powerful presence.
To thank this journey he started with me.
Gratitude.
http://www.daleauger.com
http://www.thomchildrey.ca
