You wonβt believe the story behind the painting of these Northern lights and head frame.
This is a print of an acrylic painting
14 x 14 $40
10% Proceeds will go to Parkinson's Society of Canada
“Northern Lights and McIntyre Headframe “
Acrylic painting by Carmen Martorella
This painting was created in honor of my Father-in-law Leonard Vincent who now lives with stage 4 Parkinson’s as a result of working at Dome mine and being forced to inhale the McIntyre powder (finely ground aluminum dust) along with all other miners believing that it was protecting their lungs. This painting was initially created to thank Janice Martell who fought diligently for the rights of these miners, including her father, who were all victims of a falsehood by the Government. The miners received a full apology in 2022 at the House of Commons at Queen’s Park which we were honored to witness. Through the McIntyre Powder Project led by Janice and her relentless pursuit, justice was served after many years. The Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board WSIB now recognizes Parkinson’s disease as an occupational disease linked to this exposure.
The Northern lights in the background, often seen in Timmins, indicate to me that there is still beauty in this world and that life does go on. It only takes one person to make the world right and Janice was that person for the miners of McIntyre mine and other mines throughout Canada.
My father in law, now 84 years old and the real trooper he is, despite being disabled and not being able to speak or eat, still loves to play crib and usually beats all of us at the game.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart,