My Wandering Mind | Colleen Telford

Showing April 29 - May 13, 2025

"In preparing for this show, I took on the challenge of sticking to a cohesive series with a common theme. Generally, I find myself jumping from one idea to another as inspiration strikes, so this was a significant test for me. As I wrestled with the self-imposed limitations, I, like many others, I also acknowledged the need to step back from constant news updates and social media interactions relating to the tumultuous state of global politics. To say the past five years have been deeply troubling—both on a global scale and personally—would be an understatement. The pervasive currents of hatred and loss rippling across the world have profoundly affected our collective mental health. In response, I have sought to consciously dissociate, learning to recognize when I need to take a break from the feelings of powerlessness and overwhelming distress that often envelop us.

I've come to realize that when I crave a mental "vacation," my thoughts invariably drift back to a beloved spot along the sandy shores of Lake Huron. There, a small island, crowned by an old but still working lighthouse, stands resolute on the horizon. This view serves as an anchor for me, one that never loses its charm and always brings solace. Gazing out at this serene vista is instantly calming; I feel my senses awaken as I take in the vast expanse of sky and shimmering water, where nothing and everything coexist in perfect harmony. The gentle lapping of the waves transforms into the soothing rhythm of breath, and I find myself in sync with those calming sounds. My jaw unclenches, my shoulders loosen, and the tension in my neck melts away.

The pieces in this show are a reflection of that captivating view. There isn't a singular focal point; instead, there are splashes of color and sweeping horizons that invite the mind to wander and embrace a state of nothingness. It becomes a form of visual meditation—a slow, contemplative exploration of both the scene before you and the depths of your inner world."

About the Artist

Colleen Telford, a Guelph native, is a self-taught artist who draws profound inspiration from the  natural world, embodying its lessons about resilience and the human spirit. Throughout her  artistic journey, she has showcased remarkable creativity and versatility, venturing through an  array of mediums—ranging from striking photography and intricate floral designs to delicate  watercolours. For the past several years, she has immersed herself in the vibrant world of  acrylics and mixed media, where her explorations have taken on new dimensions. Colleen  attempts to master the art of layering acrylic paint over diverse substrates, to attempt to create  a stunning interplay that highlights the contrast between the enduring beauty of natural  landscapes and the ever-shifting realities of our modern lives. For her, trees, standing tall in  their varied environments, are powerful emblems of hope, strength, and resilience. Her artwork  often captures the essence of these environments, inviting viewers to ponder the stories they  convey—tales that reflect the tranquility, chaos, disorder, and tumultuous struggles that  accompany our personal journeys.

As a survivor of domestic violence, Colleen has found strength and resilience that can emerge  from navigating chaos that is beyond our control. Through her artistic expression, she engages  in a process of healing and growth, transforming her experiences into visual narratives. Her  current body of work is evolving from a concentrated focus on acrylics to the creation of mixed  media pieces that are rich in texture and meaning. This new direction involves repurposing  scraps from discarded artworks, practice watercolor studies, wire, and found objects, all woven  together into cohesive compositions. This meditative study has prompted her to delve deeper  into the struggle for individuality within a society that often clings to conformity, encouraging  her to express her unique perspective and voice boldly.

Available Work

“Horizon”

12 x 36 inches

Mixed Media on Canvas

2025 | $335.00

“Spring Break” 12 x 36 inches

Mixed Media on Canvas

2025 | $335.00

“After the Storm”

12 x 36 inches

Mixed Media on Canvas

2025 | $335.00