JOURNEY – 36″ X 48″ – Acrylic and mixed media on wood panel
This painting marks the one-year anniversary of Bryan and Hilkka, a couple from Calgary, Alberta. Embedded within its layers, you’ll find symbols that reflect their shared journey as well as their individual stories.
Their first encounter was on October 1st, 2023, at a half-marathon in Calgary. On the front wheel of the bicycle, you’ll discover “XX.XXIII”—the first two XXs represent Bryan and Hilkka, while the XXIII symbolizes the year they met. Early in their relationship, they explored the trails of Glenmore Reservoir and Confederation Park through running and cross-country skiing. A hidden map of these romantic locations highlights these memories. You’ll also spot two coffee mugs, a nod to their first gifts to one another.
On the front wheel, you see Bryan and Hilkka as astronauts cyclist, this whimsical picture was taken at Vancouver Science World and honours their first trip together.
Their flags of origin—Canada for Bryan and Finland for Hilkka—are also included. Find the Italian flag that celebrates their shared love for Italian food, wine, cycling, and the town of Firenze. Speaking of wine, you will notice a bottle labeled *La Cuvée Beagle*, representing a future beagle they plan to adopt.
Cycling is central to their lives, so the *Tour de France* logo is included. You’ll notice a scene of the Rocky Mountains, a favourite hiking and skiing destination. To honour Hilkka’s PhD in kinesiology, specifically in endurance sports, I incorporated the label of *Purple Angel* wine on the back wheel, marking a special celebration together.
The painting also features a rose, inspired by the song “Stem” by Hayden Desser, a meaningful melody for the couple. The rose, as it loses petals in the wind, symbolizes the evolution of love—embracing change while allowing their relationship to grow.
As they prepare to move in together, they are bringing with them “The Rock”, a massive Indonesian coffee table that was left in Bryan’s condo by the previous owners. This unique piece is believed to be a septarian nodule that will be relocated in their new home garden.
To honour my Quebec roots, I’ve embedded 1940s Montreal newspaper clippings found inside the walls of an old triplex, alongside articles from *Velo-Mag*, a local cycling magazine.
At the heart of the painting is the word “TEAM,” highlighting the foundation of any relationship, and the quote *”Ride to Live, Live to Ride”* that reflects the couple’s passion for living each moment to the fullest.
I’ve entitled this piece “JOURNEY” to represent the shared experiences of Bryan and Hilkka—sometimes smooth, sometimes challenging, but always moving toward new discoveries and a deeper connection from one to another.
I would like to thank Bryan and Hilkka for entrusting me with this creation. May it always bring a smile to your faces, reminding you that your relationship is filled with possibilities, growth and discoveries for decades to come.
Yours in colours,
SAMSON