In the world of art, stories of lost and found masterpieces are not uncommon, but this particular tale from Orillia, Ontario, is a heartwarming reminder of the power of serendipity and the enduring nature of creativity. The story of Pauline Gordon's long-lost painting is a testament to the fact that art can transcend time and distance, and that sometimes, the most unexpected journeys can lead us back to our roots.
Pauline Gordon, now 86, had a creative spirit that flourished in the 1970s. She was a busy mother of three, pursuing music and painting as a hobby. Her artistic endeavors were a source of joy and self-expression, and she created around 30 paintings over the years, many of which were given to relatives. In 1975, she painted a piece that would later become a symbol of her artistic journey.
The painting, a depiction of a child sitting on a chair, was created during a period when art was one of many creative pursuits in Gordon's busy life. She believes it was entered into a local art show by a woman who taught her lessons. The painting was sold, and its whereabouts became a mystery for over 50 years.
Fast forward to the present day, and Gordon's son, Stephen, stumbled upon the painting at an antique market in Cambridge. The signature on the painting, 'Pauline', immediately sparked recognition. Stephen and his sister, Cathie Martin, had paintings by their mother in their homes, and the signature looked strikingly familiar. They tried calling Gordon, but she didn't answer, and Stephen sent her an email, forgetting to attach the photograph he had taken.
It was Martin who turned the painting around and noticed the small pencil lettering on the back. The words 'Pauline Gordon / February 1975' confirmed the painting's identity. The siblings bought the painting, and Stephen brought it to Orillia to visit his mother. Gordon was stunned when she saw the painting, feeling 'gobsmacked' and unable to believe the odds that had led to its return.
The most remarkable part of the story is the chain of events required for the painting to return to Gordon. The painting was sold decades ago, its whereabouts unknown, and somehow ended up in Cambridge, where it was spotted by her own son. This unexpected journey highlights the unpredictable nature of life and the power of serendipity.
For Gordon, the painting's return has brought a sense of joy and reflection. She has taken another piece down in her dining room and given her rediscovered work a prominent place. The painting makes her happy, and it has inspired her to consider picking up a brush again, even though she has been sewing drum bags for Rama for years.
The story of Pauline Gordon's long-lost painting is a reminder that art can transcend time and distance. It is a testament to the enduring nature of creativity and the power of serendipity. It also highlights the importance of family and the unexpected journeys that can lead us back to our roots. As Gordon reflects on her artistic journey, she is reminded of the joy and fulfillment that art can bring, and she is inspired to continue creating, even if it is just for herself.
In my opinion, this story is a beautiful reminder of the power of art to connect us to our past and inspire us to create in the present. It is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most unexpected journeys can lead us back to our roots, and that the joy of creating can transcend time and distance.
