by Lori-ann Latremouille

by Lori-ann Latremouille
Ever since I was a child, I have had a deep empathy and love for nature and all its various and wonderful creatures. I remember seeing a television documentary about whaling when I was about five years old. I was horrified. How could people dishonour these intelligent and majestic creatures and treat them so cruelly?
I felt as though I were watching my friends being slaughtered, and for what purpose? Apparently, it was to provide fine oil for perfumes. I had to look away from the television screen, tears running down my cheeks. I knew that what I was seeing was unnecessary and wrong. So, at a very early age I became a bit misanthropic. This is not to say that I didn't love and care about my family and friends. I just couldn't overlook some of the cruel and careless ways that humankind treated its fellow creatures and the environment.
As I grew up, I also became aware of how terribly people could treat one another. I could never really understand why, but I knew that much of the reason was related to fear and greed. And it seemed that the motive for mistreating other species and the environment was also rooted in thoughtless avarice. Still, deep in my heart I knew that humans were a good species and capable of tremendous acts of intelligence and love.
I have never thought that humankind is somehow separate or more special than any other species on this Earth. Undeniably, we do have tremendous power and influence on this planet, but in my opinion, that doesn't put all other life forms a step below us. It simply puts humankind in an important and honourable position with regard to the stewardship and future of this world. And despite our greedy actions sometimes, I think we are very capable of doing a great job.
I regard the misgivings and mistakes of humankind as part of a long journey on a very large learning curve. I do think, however, that our apprenticeship must finally be coming to a crucial and decisive stage. As a species, we are now poised to show what we have learned. We can now do what we are very capable of, and that is to heal and protect this beautiful planet.
I want to contribute whatever I can to this tremendous healing process. I have been a professional visual artist for more than 20 years. Self-taught, I discovered my imagery simply by allowing my subconscious mind to open. My images grow from my mind the way that plants grow from the soil. It is a very natural and easy process. On paper, I draw the lines and forms that first come to mind. Vegetation, trees, animals, human beings and all the elements seem to flow together, interlocking comfortably and peacefully. My visual language has developed and matured considerably over the years, but there has always been one basic theme: that all living forms are intertwined and connected in one universal field.
We artists are often asked about the meaning and purpose of our work. At times, it was hard for me to verbally express what I was drawing. I knew that what I was creating had a tremendously strong healing aspect, and that strength was not in a particular narrative or theme of an individual piece or show. Instead, it was the physical philosophy of the imagery, the way that all the forms fit together.
When the image that I call Prayer for the World first appeared in my sketchbook, I sensed that all my years of creating had culminated in this work. At the same time, I had written a song, which I also called Prayer for the World, as it aligned perfectly with the sketch. For the first time in my life, I found that my songwriting and imagery converged, and it suddenly dawned on me what all of my creative activities were about: to express the healing and loving potential of my species. It was so simple. It was what I knew and felt as a child growing up. All this time, it was right before my eyes, and I had finally realized it.
With this new exhibition of my drawings and song, I hope to give the world this most beautiful and precious message that was given to me through my artwork. I think this is the reason and purpose for my becoming an artist. This verbal and visual prayer exists in everyone, in some form. This is my version that I want to share. My dream is to inspire others to find and express their own way to love and heal our world. We all love living on this beautiful planet, and we all want to look after it. It is written in our hearts and minds to do so. When we all decide to put our minds together for this most special purpose, I have no doubt that we can save, nurture and protect our unique and glorious world.
Prayer for the World Exhibition
April 20 - May 3
April 20: Artist reception 6-9pm. Vancouver children's choir performs Lori-ann's song Prayer for the World, 7:30pm. Directed by Rupert Lang.
April 22: In celebration of Earth Day, people are invited to bring along an idea, poem, picture, or even just a word about how to help save the world, noon to 5pm.
Linda Lando Fine Art, 2001 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver, 604-266-6010.
www.latremouille.com
www.lindalandofineart.com