February 25, 2013Dear Sir,I am writing this in praise of one of the most beautiful places in the world that I have been fortunate enough to enjoy, Bermuda, courtesy of the Masterworks’ Artist in Residence programme. I learned of this opportunity thanks to a serendipitous connection with an old school friend, Wilena White, who has spent many happy years here as a chartered accountant. I actually came here 45 years ago with my university roommate, Janet Dodwell, when, among many other great things, her father, Royston Dodwell introduced me to snorkelling — which has become a lifelong passion. On this trip I have had the privilege of reconnecting with my dear friend, Janet, through her brother David.I am staying in the delightful St George’s, where the heritage is palpable and the history 400 years in the making. I have had some absolutely breathtaking moments watching ever changing shadows from the gorgeous houses and their inimitable chimneys falling across the cobbled lanes laden with flowers. It’s like being in fairyland here — I could paint forever and never experience a shortage of subject matter. I have painted from India to Vancouver Island — but this is a favourite: the lighting at sunset and sunrise is truly spectacular.As a young girl in Ingersoll, Ontario, I watched the frustration of a mentor, a local pharmacist, as he tried to implement the Norwich Plan through to the agony of Duncan BC today, as it bans certain colours and murals but fails to find acceptable criteria for the beautification of the town. Bermuda has sailed through all this with perfect aplomb — the houses are painted a wonderful assortment of colours — all different and all a perfect harmonious blend — as if by some divine order! The truly unique architectural feature here — the lime washed roofs and chimneys are absolutely delicious — like the icing on the cake as Mark Twain so aptly put it!The friendliness of the Bermudians has no match anywhere I have ever been before.The warm greetings from every passing stranger to the happiness evident in all their communication: the cheery banter and fun loving expressive faces — even among the children — is truly heartwarming.Even the water here is divine — so soft — an expression my mother used to use — as she was born in India — which I never understood until coming here. Combined with the humidity — my hands are the softest they have ever been and for the first time ever don’t need hand lotion!There are so many unique assets for which to be grateful here. Since the slight topple of the American dream in 2008, reverberations were felt the world over — but it is so important to focus on the positive and to count the many blessings and only in this way will they expand.This trip has been truly one of the highlights of my life — right up there with the all black Ain’t Misbehavin’ on Broadway and the Messiah at the Notre Dame in Montreal — except this has lasted three months!I shall be eternally grateful to Masterworks Gallery for allowing me this opportunity to step out of my ordinary — but rather lovely life — on the river, by the estuary, overlooking Cowichan Bay, nestled under the sacred Mt Tzouhalem on Vancouver Island. Born in England, I have always missed the antiquity in Canada — we live in the oldest house in Cowichan — built in 1869! Therein lays one of the reasons I am so enamoured with Bermuda. I have tried to translate my love of this place to paper — and I invite you all to come and see my exhibit which opens March 8th until March 19th at The Masterworks Gallery in The Botanical Gardens.JENNIFER LAWSONDuncan BC