“Bears have always been my favourite animal — There’s a sense of timelessness to them that makes the noise of the modern world fall away.”
‘Gorzy’
American Black Bear
Oil on Canvas
12” x 12”
This piece is called Gorzy, named after a friend of mine in the U.S. who inspired it in more ways than one. He lives on a large property in America where black bears often wander through — quiet, majestic visitors that appear with the seasons. During the spring and summer months, he’d often send me photos of the bears he’d spotted, peaceful moments of wild beauty caught just outside his home.
We bonded over a deep mutual respect for wildlife, especially bears. I would often tell him how fascinated with them I am— how I long to see one in the wild, to experience that awe first-hand. So I painted Gorzy as a surprise and took it with me to America to give to him. It was my way of honouring not just our friendship, but our shared reverence for these powerful creatures.
Bears have always been my favourite animal. They command space — strong, grounded, and full of presence — but they’re also deeply beautiful and quietly spiritual. There’s a sense of timelessness to them that makes the noise of the modern world fall away. To me, they represent the strength, stillness, and raw beauty of the natural world.
As an artist, my work is grounded in connection — to animals, to the land, and to the emotion a moment can hold. I try to capture not just how something looks, but how it feels to be in its presence. With Gorzy, I wanted to capture that feeling of respect, awe, and quiet power that only a bear can bring. It’s a reminder of what matters, of what endures, and of the wild soul in us all.