Why The Number 6?

You may or may not be aware that a common thread associated with me and my work is the number six. It's everywhere. It's in my email address, my online handle, my business card, and it was my booth number at the Queen West Art Crawl. I'd like to take a moment and try to explain why I incorporate it into my image as an artist.

There are several levels associated with my reasoning. My first reason comes from the child within. I was born on the sixth of the month... and when you're a kid, that automatically makes it a special number. A good luck charm in some way. As I grew up, I started to notice this wasn't the only place it existed. I soon realized that there were six letters in my first name and six years difference between my sister and I.

... Still not convinced?

Three years ago when I began my artistic life, I noticed the number creeping into my work. I would like to point out two specific examples to show how bizarre it is.

Exhibit A: The very first piece I ever created. It was a photo I manipulated of the traffic on the 401. Seems pretty standard right? It was nearly a year later before I noticed the sign in the image read, "Avenue Rd. / Bathurst St. / Keale St. / 6 km". I think that's pretty spooky. I certainly didn't plan it and when it was revealed to me, I took it as a sign that I was headed on the right path.

Exhibit B: A black and white photo I took on valentines day of a white rose given to me which I posed on top of my remote control. This was a rare occurrence where I decided to leave as is. I loved it so much that I made no enhancements to it. All the numbers on the clicker are upside down ...and what is a nine upside down? SIX!




Stuff like this continues to happen and it makes me feel safe. Perhaps it's childish and stupid but it's comforting to know that it's always there for me when I need it.