This is the Chilliwack Drive-In, as it looked fifty years ago. My paintings are intended for people who, like myself, have memories of a place like this. Chances are that they live in Western Canada. For the present, I am still here in Toronto, so "long distance communication" is needed. In this age of Skype: unlimited long distance phone time; and electronic media, distance is no longer an issue. If you see something you like, and want more information about that work of art, send me a message, or you can email me at dean[email protected]. After that, the exchange of ideas and suggestions will be simple. We'll figure it out! I look forward to hearing from you. All communications and discussions will be strictly confidential. This will be easier than you think. Just remember that if you desire a painting based on a photograph, that photograph has to be of the highest resolution or of an object that I can find other images of on the internet.
A. J. Casson, the last surviving member of "The Group Of Seven", died in 2002. He was 94 years old and lived a very full life. Like other members of the group, the advent of the 1960's had not brought them material wealth. With the exception of Lawren Harris, who lived in Shaughnessey Heights in Vancouver, and was an heir to the Massey-Harris farm equipment fortune, to the best of my knowledge, the other men were in rough financial shape. I remember watching a NFB video about Fred Varley living in a roominghouse on Queen Street for about fifty dollars a month. His paintings are now worth a fortune.
Casson mentioned in an interview that he never made a living from his artwork until he was in his sixties. In that way, and in many other ways, I would like to emulate Mr. Casson...however, his chain smoking will be avoided. He may have lived to be 94, despite the chain smoking, but I don't think I will see if I have the kind of endurance that allowed Casson and George Burns to smoke until incredibly advanced ages. This website is a step in that direction...at least, in terms of seeing if I can interest enough people in what I do to want to own my artwork...let's see how that works out! |