Every time I pass by,
I can’t keep my looking back …
Look, and look, and give thanks
For the beauty.
Even in Yellow Autumn or White Winter
The bridge is amazing!
A place to spend time with friends,
A place to enjoy the sun set,
A place to find a moment of peace,
A proud symbol of this beautiful city!
The Provencher Bridge across the Red River.
When I first came to Winnipeg in the Fall of 2019, I was really impressed with this amazing edifice. The Canadian Human Rights Museum and Provencher Bridge over the historical Red River. What a marvelous work that unites people, history and culture! Learning about the history associated with this Bridge and the Museum, I uttered the words of Psalm 118: 23:
“This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.”
It inspired my heart and I painted the Provencher Bridge on a peaceful afternoon.
Then time passed, the winter came and covered everything with white snow. It made me really surprised by its beauty. One day, the Forum Art Center sent out invitations to all students to participate in a painting competition for a showroom Art, with the topic “Painting a muse in Winnipeg”. I immediately thought of this magical place where God works wonders through human hands and brains. I painted the Provencher Bridge in the white snow scene. It is really a wonderful combination of the works of nature cradling a masterful work of human hands. However, I was not confident enough to submit my art. I kept it in my “warehouse”.
Today, when I have an opportunity to share these paintings, I do so in hope you can also enjoy the scene in reality because it is even more beautiful and magical than I can convey. My brush still does not show the full beauty of it.
I am still looking. And each time I pass by this architectural marvel grounded in the vibrancy of creation, or look at my painting of it, I continue to say in my heart:
“This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.”
Provencher Bridge Paintings ©Giang Pham, 2022. All rights reserved worldwide.
My name is Giang Pham, I belong to the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions. I was born in a simple family farmer in a small countryside of Viet Nam. I was sent to Canada after my perpetual Vows on July 2019 and shared the international community life with RNDMs in Winnipeg, Saint Boniface Diocese.
I have loved art since I was a child. I used to draw my feelings on sand every time I was in happiness, sadness or even in troubles. Gradually, drawing and painting skills were formed in me. I enjoyed meditating on the beauty of creation and then expressed that in my paintings. I believe that God has a special purpose for each of us even when we are in the deep ocean of failure. We can always keep our dream. My dream is to be a brush in God’s hand, to express God’s beauty in creation and the feelings inside human hearts.
Mary Lou Jorgensen-Bacher – my Uncle was Archbishop of Winnipeg for about 10 years time. I loved him. I had a brain haemorrhage, 1974, which has “hindered” me – but I am still a fun-loving and a rapier wit, when it comes to my background. Thank YOU for going to “St. Boniface” for your coming to Canada. It is a beautiful place!
Your brush certainly shows something of the beauty of river, bridge, shore and museum, if not the “full beauty” which you see and long to express. Through your painting, I now see them all involved in a complex dance – with one another, with us humans, and with all creatures. Thanks for inviting us to look with you, and to notice the shining beauty.
Thanks, dear Giang! I particularly love the colours of the summer painting! As beautiful as winter can be, this particular one has seemed long and difficult to me. Your painting helps me to imagine the return of colour in a world that has been white for too long! 😊
Terrific beauty comes out of you mind, that your finger sketches on the canvus. Much love for you dearest Sister.
You have a magic touch Giang. Keep on sharing your wonderful Art. And next time, you have a chance to show your work in a competition, as hope you do.