RUSS HOWARD is my "MUSE" for the Curling Champion Portfolio. When he came to my Village as part of his Book Tour Promotion, I painted first a vignette of Russ and then FOCUS a large 22x30 Watercolour, my first painting in the medium of watercolour in 40 years. While I was painting these, I wondered why I had never seen or could not find paintings of Curling Champions, like there are with most sports athletes.   

I discussed this with Russ and he encouraged my interest and supported my pursuit of creating the Portfolio. With the next five paintings of the original 10 collection, I met with the Champions and they signed their Originals. I then held an Exhibition of them in the Conservatory of the Empress Hotel, right next to the conference centre and spent the week in Victoria, BC for the 2013 World Men's Championship. I went to the event but it was there, in the Conservatory, that I met so many of the international Champions. Sweden's Peja was a favourite, I was on his daily running route, lucky me. Scotland's David Murdoch's wife, Stephanie, an island girl, like myself and so many people. I got a glimpse of a sport I could see was like Russ believed, on the cusp of blowing up into an international phenomenon.

FOCUS is something I know all the Champions have to embrace to succeed. To balance it somehow with a life is the big challenge. Curling is a great sport and has a great future but I truly hope it will always be the game of sliding on the ice, throwing granite stones, sharing great skill and talent, strength and ability. All while representing the unique eloquence of the sport and at the same time the pride of a great win for themselves but even more so, their communities. I truly hope this always remains at the core. Sportsmanship.

I can only say, Russ Howard is the sport of curling. Grab one of his many books, enjoy a game with him as the commentator.  One of the greatest curlers in the sport, I know he will never be far from the ice. “Hurry Hard” Russ.