The Canadian Constitutional Act - painting by Mona Youssef
The Canadian Constituion Act - Story and painting by Mona Youssef - visit Mona’s website See Canadian Constitution Act    “While I was working as a graphic artist for a company in Toronto 1982, I was also recognized as a Fine artist. Having produced several oil paintings for the owner’s son who was a member of the House of Commons and who loved my painting’s style, he selected me among many other artists, to produce an oil painting of “The Canadian Constitution Act”. I was flown to Ottawa the day before Her majesty the Queen of England arrived to the Parliament Hill. Because I was granted an official permission to take photographs while the stage had been prepared in front of the Parliament. Next day, Sunday, I was there again to watch the complete event of her honor the Queen Elizabeth II’s Arrival and the signing of the Canadian Constitution Acts. My task was to photograph the total occasion in order to create an oil painting of this very special occasion in Canada’s history.         Back to my home in Toronto, I started working on the painting size about 32" x 46" and was given only 21 days to finish it. I had my baby who was less than one year old. So, he only received the very necessary needs then sat him with his toys happily, well fed and clean. My son David was listening to music while I was painting day and night. No wonder why he is a great DJ today and an excellent piano player.         The time came for the painting to be picked up and get framed. It was heartbreak for me seeing it departing me. Shortly after though, I was invited to the surprise party that had been arranged for Mr. Pierre E. Trudeau to receive the painting, but I was too shy to accept the invitation.         Years went by, and I always wished to have a quality photograph of the painting to replace the one I had taken with my humble camera back then. Even though at times, I thought that would be merely, a dream but always believed that great things start with a simple dream. I decided to move back to Ottawa and wanted to visit the National Art Gallery of Ontario before my move. In the gallery, I was following the tour guide who had other tourists to explain to them this and that. From my responses on her comments, on some of the paintings in the gallery, She said to me “You have good observations for arts” I replied “I am a fine artist” She asked for my name. Upon hearing it, she repeated it after me several times and said “Mona Youssef! It rings the bell!!!” After posing and thinking, I learned from her that my name was in the Toronto Star news paper in an article about the organized party when my painting was presented to Mr. P. E. Trudeau. Upon hearing that, I became very delighted and excited! This had motivated me even more, to follow me wish to get a better photograph of my painting, but how and when!? It was still a wish! Once in a while I had asked some friends of how I could contact Mr. P. E. Trudeau, and only I was laughed at and heard comments such as “He is too busy to care for this, he is too arrogant to give attention to your request, etc.” However, my inner feelings and perception of Mr. Trudeau’s character were completely different. I have always believed, in my heart, that he was a very keen, intelligent and extremely knowledgeable person, although may appear arrogant, yet inward, he had the soft human feelings and the deep appreciation for spiritual matters and for arts.         I moved to Ottawa, worked here and there and the idea was still growing in my mind. One day, in December, 1999, I decided to do it myself. I went through the phonebook and started calling several numbers in the Parliament Hill in Ottawa. As usual, one person transferred me to the other and I had to introduce myself to each one of them explaining why I was calling. Finally, I was given the phone number of Mr. Trudeau’s office!. Let me be frank, I needed several deep breath and had to write down what I wanted to say, can you tell how nervous and excited I was! Here is my first call. ” Hello, Mr. Trudeau, my name is Mona Youssef, ...........” He replied “My name is Trudeau but not the one you are looking for. I purchased this office from Mr. P. E. Trudeau and my name happened to be the same.” I asked “Would you know, by any chance his phone number or where I could contact him?” he kindly provide me with the necessary information.         There, when my call needed extra deep breath for the second introduction. “Hello, my name is Mona Youssef........... “ In reply, the Secretary said that she would get back to me after consulting with Mr. Trudeau. Yes, finally, I contacted the real P. E. T.         In a few minutes, I answered the phone and it was his secretary giving me an appointment in two days to visit Mr. Trudeau’s house in order to take the photographs I wish!! She also, had given me the name of a person who would be waiting and open the door for me and directs me to the painting! I needed someone to hold me still before I faint! The many years wish is coming through! My husband and I took the new camera and drove to Montreal. The door was opened for us and there was my painting capturing it after 18 years. I felt like hugging it but acted as normal as ad official possible. The painting looked so vibrant in colors as if was done yesterday. We took it to the balcony and got several shoots. The day light was just perfect for photographing it. Gerry took us for a tour in the house and told me how much Mr. Trudeau was proud and loved this painting that he always hangs it here on this front stairs wall, so when his guests come up or down these stairs, they would see it right in front of them. Garry also told me that Mr. P. E.T. had given his will to give away most of the paintings in his house to charities except few ones of which among them, my painting.! I was so touched, impressed, felt great and honored to be able to add something valuable to someone’s life that was great already! I also, felt that everything in his house carried such profound feelings in it! Just seeing the size of Mr. Trudeau’s library was overwhelming.         As we were leaving gratefully, Mr. Gerry Wall told me to pass by Mr. Trudeau’s office to receive a letter from him. He explained the address to get there. The secretary received us and gave me the letter. I asked her if it was possible to meet with Mr. Trudeau, she replied”He has a client right now in his office that it would take a while plus he just came back from Germany, so by the time he finishes, I am sure he will be exhausted, we could have made arrangements if you asked prior to your visit”         I left back to Ottawa, feeling overjoyed but still wondering, did I actually make it? Was I really in Mr. Trudeau’s house? Do I finally have a good photo of my painting, in my camera now, after 18 years! Did I truly, have a letter from Mr. Trudeau thanking me for the beautiful painting that he was so proud of to hang on his wall? It all seemed to me a sweet dream!.         Yes, my perception of Mr. Trudeau’s Character were true. He was completely the opposite of what some people thought of him negatively!         In 2000, I was deeply grieved when we all lost Mr. P. E. Trudeau in death. I found myself writing poem in English. It was only in Arabic that I used to write poem, long time ago, and the following is what I wrote in English:         The Red flower was standing firm in its rout to provoke         Storms, Winds and Hardships, could not, before it floats         It kept on growing in passion, zeal and strength of thoughts         Vitality, powerful image with tender feelings, influenced all         Among weeds surrounded, The Red Flower, loudly, spoke         To reason, listen, challenge, incite and make dreams float         To The Road of Patrician, its blossoms glowed came forth         To lighten the dark field to a garden like, for us, you fought         Black, White, Yellow admired you with their hearts and souls         Your beautiful lively colors & brightness will never fade at all         Now, you are resting, until the day you come back, adorned         Stand, among us, with all colors in a garden, you’ll be adored         May the crystal dew drops tenderly water you and revive our hope         The hope of resurrection through Jesus will bring you to the world         John: 5:28-29         Written by ©Mona Youssef, See full documents of: The Canadian Constitution Act in (English) See The Canadian Constitution Act in (French) Visit Mona's website to see more details of her work from her gallery: click here  Thank you Mona Youssef for your artwork, story and contribution to Canadian Culture.
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