‘A kind of freedom.’ Kavir Mootoo, 2018. Acrylic on 16″ x 20″ canvas board. 20″ x 24″ framed. (*SOLD*)

Freedom seems to be a word that comes to mind when I paint. The freedom to create as I want. But is it really freedom? Aren’t we influenced by what we hold inside and where our mind and heart are?

Starting this piece, I was interested in the pure joy of making brushstrokes, feeling the paint and using different amounts of pressure and then the idea of approaching a clearing in the forest came up – ever so slightly.

Landscapes seem to be often in the back of my mind when it comes to painting – it is after all one of the first things we learn in art class. It’s a good memory and I like having nature as an inspiration.