My experience in living with Covid-19 has led me to a place of extreme isolation and sickness without having contracted the disease myself. In March last year, I became unemployed and shut in like many people throughout the world. I have lived with mental illness for much of my life, and have relied on support groups and professionals throughout. I became quite ill resulting in a seven week hospitalization.
During this time in hospital, I began a series of abstract, meditative drawings quite different to the art I regularly make. Over the course of my rehabilitation, I completed around forty drawings which I believe helped me express emotion, and concentrate my thoughts. Upon discharge from hospital, I began much more colourful and celebratory paintings on wood panels. I like to think these abstract works are about embracing life, and celebrating our place here on earth. In such difficult circumstances we live, I hope they may simply give joy to their viewers.
Gabriel Dale Hill completed post-secondary schooling at Sheridan College and The Ottawa School of Art in Ontario. Gabriel then pursued a degree of fine arts interdisciplinary at NSCAD University in Halifax. Following graduation he has participated regularly in The Ottawa School of Art biennial alumni exhibition. He also had one solo show with the former Blink artist run gallery at Major’s Hill Park in Ottawa.