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43 | O akville B eaver | T hursday,D ecem ber 27,2018 insidehalton.com and homelessness to name a few. "The list of our wounds is long and overwhelming," adds the Sheridan College arts graduate. "When we move through life not looking at our wounds, we remove ourselves further from solving the problems.from solving the problems.f There are wounds in each of us, some are deeper than others, but all result in suf- fering."fering."f His film, and The Dark and the Wounded paintings challenge people to look within, and heal. The paintings - featur- ing dark and wounded souls and faces - are no walk in the park. And his artwork is get- ting multimillion dollar of- fers from art collectorsfers from art collectorsf around he world. Rather incredulous for the artist who watched as his abusive father burned his paintings in the family fireplace and told his sonfireplace and told his sonf that being an artist was not a job. Growing up sur- rounded by adversity only made Picard stronger. When, at 19 years old, he had to go to New York City to identify his beloved sis- ter's body (she had been beaten to death in a still un- solved crime) it changed him forever. Growing up together and surviving a horrific childhood, Cath was his closest confidante. Her senseless death made him stronger. His depth of fortitude is endless and painting is his therapy. Currently researching Napoleon, 17th century military uniforms, armies and horses, Picard, who splits his time between homes in Vancouver and L.A., has been commis- sioned for a huge battle painting that will eventual- ly be more than 12 feet by nine feet. Next on slate, the ex- traordinarily talented art- ist is also getting requests from dignitaries askingfrom dignitaries askingf him to visit their locations: The mayor Of Chicago wants him to come to Joliet Correctional Center; the governor of Rhode Island has also asked for the same. Others have suggested The Dark and the Wounded be- come an opera. "I can't wait to bring all this darkness and under- standing around the world," said Picard, who admits he's in love with art. "We need to educate and let this future generation make changes." "I feel great to be in this position and the more acco- lades and notoriety I get the more I can help people," he said. "Our life should be about preparing for a good death," he said. "Live pas- sionately so that when you do die, you're fully pre- pared to die." That's not to say Picard is ready for that. Not a chance. He's still got way too much work to do - paint- ing to let the world see re- ality. NEWS Continued from page 42 Oakville & Area To advertise in this feature please contact Fiona Rudder 289-293-0691 frudder@starmetroland.com(905) 842-1772 HARRY'S CONSTRUCTION Home Renovations • Basements Bathrooms • Kitchens • Decks www.harrysrenos.com hrousseau@cogeco.ca Since 1984 - Free Estimates HOME RENOVATIONS Home Renovations • Basements Bathrooms • Kitchens Since 1984 - Free Estimates 50 Years Strong Since 1961 TheCaulking and Fire Stopping Specialist Our Services Include: ✔ Free Estimates ✔ Inspection and Consulting Services ✔ Interior and Exterior caulking o Windows o Doors o Bathrooms o Countertops o Pools o Patios ✔ Residential Firestopping ✔ Fully Insured Your Local Caulking Contractor Tel: 905-659-3367 Fax: 905-659-1195 email drams@beverlycaulking.com • www.beverlycaulking.com CAULKING P. Jay ContraCting Basement Renovations Bathroom Upgrades No job Too Small Over 30 years experience paul.pjay@gmail.com HOME IMPROVEMENTS For a quicker response please TEXT 905-616-3150 WE PAY HST Call in your measurements or call for an in-home consulation Easy to clean Energy Efficient 25-year warranty! Oakville 905-847-7508 Milton 905-878-1180 FROM $799 DOORS PATIO C U S T O M W I N D O W C O V E R I N G S MADE IN CANADA S INCE 1992 Call in your measurements or Call for an in-home consulation WINDOWCOVERINGS Thank you for your loyalty. Fiona