Bad Medicine

When I grew up, in Nova Scotia, there was a friend I would visit, and we would raid her older sister’s CD collection.  She had all the good stuff…Gn’R, Def Leppard, and Bon Jovi…so when she wasn’t around, we would sneak into for her room for her music.  I thought she was sooo cool.

This past year, this older sister reached out to me for a painting of her and her ski buddy.  She sent me fuzzy pictures from back in the day, when retro suits were in and helmets were out, and she said to me, “If you need a little extra inspiration, just listen to Bad Medicine while you’re painting.” She explained to me that they would ride the chairlift together and they would sing “Bad Medicine” at the top of their lungs.  

It was so fun to paint this because she told me who the buddy was on the chair next to her.  Back then, I didn’t know her.  About 10 years ago, I met her at a small wedding in Vancouver, and made the connection that she had ties back in Isle Madame where I grew up.  Having met her made this painting even sweeter.

And yes, I listened to Bad Medicine several times while painting it.

I was flattered to be asked to do this commission because Shauna is an artist herself.  She made cakes for years, masterpieces that should never be eaten but were probably too delicious not to.  She now dabbles in paint and, it is clear she has an artistic flair.  She is a stand-up community woman, with business savvy.  In recent years, she renovated a motel on Isle Madame, and made a decrepit building look amazing.  If you ever find yourself in that neck of the woods, and trust me it’s worth your while, check out The Clairestone Inn.  

And maybe turn up your radio to the tune...