Saying the Names, a portrait of Cambridge poet Malcolm Guite, has been one of my favourite paintings. I feel like a mother saying farewell to a child who is moving away. This particular “child” will be traveling home to the UK with Malcolm Guite, following his visit here in Winnipeg, Sept. 26-28/13. Until it flies away, it is hanging in a place of honor in my home.

Malcolm will be in town to lead in a special retreat at St. Ben’s Retreat and Conference Centre, and will also spend time writing music with my boss, singer/songwriter Steve Bell. They also performed a concert together called “Song and Sonnet”.

Saying the Names is one of a trio of portraits of Malcolm Guite, inspired by photos taken by Lancia E. Smith. If you click on the photo, it will take you to more of the information behind the creation of the painting.