Seize the Day, 24" x 24"

Mixed-Media on Wood Panel.

24" x 24" x 1.5"

"Carpe diem, a phrase that comes from the Roman poet Horace, means literally "Pluck the day", though it's usually translated as "Seize the day" (who knew).

This piece has gotten a makeover. Originally it had a gray overlay. I purchased a new colour paint and wanted to try it. It hung in my studio for a long time, I kept looking at it and wondered what could I do to improve it. This is what I came up with…I painted a deeper red over the gray, leaving hints of the former background poking through. I was happy with the new colour but not totally satisfied with the final look. I added an outline in white of each letter of carpe diem on top and found it gave it a new dimension. Ta Da, a new and improved painting.

The background is a collage of all different superheroes. Who better to seize the day than our friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man, or Batman, maybe Superman…you get my point."
-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.