"The more you know the more you realize you don't know," so they say.

Spending a lifetime in art, I have found this to be so so true!

Whenever I step up to a canvas, each time I walk into a gallery, every day as I travel the world, screen by screen, image by image, each new step can be like a portal for an epic journey of discoveries and exploration.

I find that the same applies within each painting.

As I focus on the process of where I want to take my art, I also try to be aware of

where my art is taking me. As much as the potential for ideas and responses to artwork is unlimited, in a sense, it often happens that one kernal of wisdom or whimsy (or nonsense!) will rule the day. And, somewhere in this messy blend of randomness and design, an idea takes form that literally creates its own reality, almost out of thin air.

Such is the case with "Muskrat Municipality". This is an isolated kingdom in the deep forest, populated by muskrats, who very much consider themselves to be people. As no human has ever gotten near enough to paddle a canoe in these waters, Muskrat supremacy has never been in the slightest dispute. 

I discovered these territories nearly ten years ago, quite by accident, while paddling my palette knife in waters of northern Saskatchewan, Michigan and Quebec.  It was quite a murky situation but gradually the landscape materialized, like a Narnia for river rats. I was very careful not to disturb the residents, and, over time, these fascinating animals have revealed themselves to me in all their quirks and qualities.

My original painting Muskrat Municipality (shown at top) was sold years ago but is still available as a hand embellished canvas print.

To no one's surprise, my furry friends have proven themselves to be creatively

gifted. But, I have only just begun to fully appreciate the extent of their talents. One of the most exciting artforms I have discovered so far is "Muskrat Street Art", which I have attempted to portray in a painting of that name, even though I am not blessed with all the intangibles of muskrat artistry. At the time of this writing, the original painting, "Muskrat Street Art", is available, and can be purchased here through my website.

As I continue to explore the northern bogs and lost rivers of art, I would like to extend a special invitation. Everyone is invited to explore Muskrat Municipality with me by means of the humble paintings that I have been priviledged to produce. Feedback is also welcome!