Hidden away on the outskirts of Duncan, British Columbia, the Cowichan Bird Sanctuary is teeming with history and life. Rare and local species of birds flock by the thousands to make this paradise their home. I have spent countless hours here with friends and loved ones during summer months, staying just long enough to witness the magnificent sunsets that have left me in awe over the power of the beauty of land and open sky.

I did this painting at the Cowichan Bird Sanctuary on the Cowichan Reserve, in Cowichan Bay, BC. It’s about how important it is to really look around you in your life, take some time and not really do anything or talk to anyone, just stand still and listen to what is going on around you. If you go to a really quiet place where you cannot hear any noise, you are forced to listen to your own thoughts and deal with your own problems, or even just face them. It really changes you and gives you a new perspective on life, and from that point you are able to grow and become a better person. Standing Still is about that. In the background you see the sun has just gone down, and around her face is a glow because I was trying to get the feeling of how her spirit is strong because she is able to stand still and be alone with her own thoughts.

About the Original
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas / Image Size: 22" x 30" / Created: August 2003
Availability: Sold