Yesterday, I celebrated a vision that had lingered in my minds eye for years. After six months of steady work, the project—a creative fusion of painting and collage—now stands complete. I approached it not with technical aims, but mindful intention paying tribute to our daughters and the land, lovingly referred to as the swamp . Painting feels all so familiar, and that is where I began, laying down the landscape, seared in memory, and a favourite spot where we all shared time among the gardens under the maple tree. Little did I know that collage would unfold, lending my current experience to this work. It all felt so right, the final act of maple leaves that sheltered us from the sun. I drew, painted, then cut out and applied. Photographs of Nichole, Erin, and Abeba, which I had taken over the years in that exact spot, I printed to provide size perspective, then merged them into place. I remember clearly the day after I arrived home from Tanzania (2007), Erin and I were under the maple tree when the bird landed in her hand and stayed for some time. A notable welcome home. Art has and continues to be the instrument through which I express my lived experience, imaginings of what was and what can be. My practice inspires and directs exploration, a gift offered up as a proclamation to my inner worlds. Title: Memories of the Swamp Artist: Kim Kitchen Medium: Acrylic, Collage on Canvas Dimensions: 4’ x 3’ x 2” Date: January 20, 2026

First solo trip a long time ago. My Mum saw me board the train from Woodstock to Toronto where Aunty awaited my arrival.