“YEAR OF THE LEGEND” – 24″ X 40″ – Acrylic and mixed techniques on wood.
This artwork celebrates the 50th birthday of a great man.
Embedded within the layers of paint, you can discern several items significant to his journey.
This piece briefly recounts the early days of our ROCK ‘N’ ROLL musician. To highlight this phase, I direct your attention to the speedboat, showing the fifty-year-old’s affinity for water sports. If you look closely through the water supporting it, you’ll find the first names of those with whom he began his musical ventures. Here, we’re talking about his close CEGEP friends, Michel and Andrea. Also, notice the boat’s brand, Spencer, honouring his current jamming partner and fellow musical adventurer. Mathieu’s son, Félix, part of the current “jamming group,” is represented by Felix the Cat, which I challenge you to find.
You might wonder about the presence of the Road Runner’s coyote in this creation. Here, I draw a parallel between Mathieu’s escapades, stumbles, and injuries and those of the famous coyote. Remember our adventurer breaking his foot with a homemade zip-line, twisting his knee, tearing his bicep, and disfiguring his face while water skiing, among other incidents. Like the coyote, he rises from these mishaps without learning any lessons about gravity.
The bright red “A” represents not only the first letter of Abbott but also ALPHA, the dominant male who exudes confidence from his 5-foot-and-some height.
If you look closely, you’ll find musical scores and lyrics from some of his favourite songs. Among the strings of the instrument, spot “Money” by Pink Floyd and “Dark Side of the Moon” by the legendary Peter Gabriel (also see album cover).
PRIMO represents his favourite guitar, now a custom-made BOUCHER from Quebec. He received not only a BOUCHER for his birthday but also a second one, signed by SAMSON.
At the bottom of the guitar, you’ll find three African violets, the favourite flowers of Marie-Hélène, Mathieu’s life partner and number one fan. These flowers symbolize their three beloved children, Chloé, Nicolas, and Félix.
Besides Mathieu’s musical talents, his charisma, leadership, joie de vivre, and immense smile charm his audience. We’re all gathered tonight to celebrate him. The front-and-centre “#1 FAN” item aptly summarizes the love and energy our celebrant deserves on this grand occasion. Indeed, we are all groupies and #1 fans.
I’ve titled this creation “YEAR OF THE LEGEND” because a very special being was born in 1973. We are all blessed to have been enlightened by his presence throughout his journey.
Finally, I want to thank Marie-Hélène for entrusting me with this artwork’s creation. May it always bring a smile to your face, reminding you of times spent with those who inspire you, just as Mathieu naturally does.
Thank you all, thank you Mathieu for being who you are, and enjoy the celebration.
Yours in colours,
SAMSON.