I wanted to honour my husband’s grandfather with art. He was an amazing man that stole my heart the minute I met him. Nearly six and a half feet tall he was a large and welcoming presence. An incredible self-taught fiddler and a farmer for all his life - he was a broad + gentle soul. I didn’t know him long before he passed away and I didn’t have a bird that I connected him other than the hummingbirds in his yard. Which never seemed grand enough to match the man. So I decided that I would paint a piece in his name after this show to remember him and I turned my attention to an owl that I love instead.
After I finished this very large Great Grey Owl I learned that nearly 50 years earlier Dan’s grandfather, Kaz Rudniski, rescued an injured adult Great Grey on one of the fields of his farm and kept it tied up in the porch at the back of their house until he had nursed it to health. (Much to the fearful dismay of his small daughters).
It feels like he chose to be a part of my collection. Thank you, Kaz.
The writing hidden in the owl's feathers says "You. You're here. You're near in a kindred kindness and love that makes my heart heavy to mourn you - to feel you gone. Lightened to know you - grateful and honoured to be here still with those you loved so near."
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KAZ / Great Grey Owl [K.Barteski 2009]
Size: 40 x 30
Medium: acrylic on gallery wrap canvas
Collection: K.Barteski
Price: SOLD
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GALLERY PRINT: Museum-quality print on cold-press watercolour paper. Signed by the artist.
Price: $85 (includes shipping)
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Kal, beautiful words that bring tears to my eyes, and what a beautiful way to honour Kaz! In folklore owls are perceived as being wise - and so was Kaz. It makes me even more sad that we were not able to come to your art show and enjoy your beautiful paintings "live"! Thanks for sharing your talent and much love <3
Posted by: Regine | 12/06/2009 at 11:15 AM
I had seen this painting on your blog as you worked on it, but I never knew the story behind it. No wonder you were so saddened to see it go to it's new home. Beautiful poem and what a perfect capture you created of this amazing bird!
Posted by: Niomie Cummings | 07/28/2010 at 09:10 PM
Is the special edition laser reproduction the same size as the original?
Posted by: Niomie Cummings | 09/22/2010 at 10:28 PM
Hi Niomie
- the laser reproductions are 8 x 10.
Posted by: Kal Barteski | 09/23/2010 at 07:24 PM
Thanks Kal!
Posted by: Niomie Cummings | 09/23/2010 at 08:03 PM
Sorry to bug you again Kal, but is the gallery print the same size as the original?
Thanks!
Posted by: Niomie Cummings | 09/24/2010 at 08:54 AM
Hi Niomie
- the giclee prints vary, but most are in the 10x12 inch range
to ensure easier and more cost effective shipping.
K
Posted by: Kal Barteski | 09/24/2010 at 09:57 AM
Beautiful!
Posted by: Social | 03/07/2011 at 04:27 PM