Knowledge Is Power, 30" x 40"

Mixed-Media on Wood Panel. 

30" x 40" x 1.5" 

"The vibrant background is a collage of only Superman. The comics are original materials, some covers and some comic strips. Packing a punch is the Pyrrole red background. The phrase was a suggestion from my son who is a fan of Superman and a bigger fan of academia.

Epistemology, here’s my little story about this word. One day way back in 1980 something when I was in Cegep (Montrealer here) I was sitting in class and I don’t remember what the subject was but I do remember the teacher was trying to make a point and he said “let me give you a word that none of you will know.” He thought and came out with epistemology. At that moment, I mouthed the words "The Theory of Knowledge." I only mouthed it, no sound. I’m typically shy and don’t blurt things out. He noticed me and said, "what did you say?" I repeated aloud this time "The Theory of Knowledge". He asked me how the heck I knew that and at that point in my life I never felt smarter. Anyhow, what this has to do with my painting…

Knowledge Is Power! This piece makes me smile and always reminds me of that story."
-Gail

Toronto-based artist Gail Blima is a creative innovator who has explored photography, representational art, and mixed media. Her artwork uses the power of language to make a statement and draw out emotion. By layering vibrant acrylic accents over a collage base and incorporating the written word, she connects the audience to cultural references that are ironic, humorous, or directed from pop culture.