AJ the Artist

One of the first people AJ met whilst we were scouting out properties in Comox was Neil and MJ. We were walking on the beach and came across them and AJ and Neil started talking and discovered that they had many common interests, including painting. Neil showed us some of his paintings and AJ made a future date with him to attend his art classes.

Amongst many other things, AJ loved to paint and was looking forward to learning new techniques while he recuperated in Comox. One of his paintings was an attempt of a beach scene on an old wooden crate, but he didn’t feel he was capturing the image accurately. He wanted to change it to reflect more of the rugged west coast scenery.  Unfortunately, he didn’t get the opportunity to return to Comox to complete it. Although I thought it was lovely,  every time I looked at it, I was reminded that AJ said it looked “flat” and not right.

Neil kindly agreed to finish it for me and on my most recent visit to Comox, he showed my niece and I the painting and we both think it’s breathtaking. Brought tears to our eyes. Neil has incorporated some of AJ’s original painting, including the skyline and the water and sand. What’s even more precious is that he used the painting as a teaching tool, and consulted with his class, and together they have created a beautiful West Coast scene. I asked Neil where he got the inspiration and he just smiled and teared up. I get a feeling  that  AJ was in the classroom with them. I love that Neil has the ability to help heal and provide closure through this healing process- for himself as well as his students and recipients of his artwork. I had the pleasure to meet his students and tell them AJ’s story. Check out the photos below of the transformation of this beautiful piece of art.

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Although I live and work in Edmonton, I believe my heart belongs to Comox. So grateful to be surrounded by the wonderful and spiritual people on the island. It’s a place where the spirit can soar.

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