Missing Maga-Pie by Paul Trottier

Paul Trottier: Missing Maga-Pie

These paintings tell a story that is not finished. The paintings detail the life events of a magpie. These are used to tell the story of the missing people in Saskatchewan and Canada. Metaphorically they tell the story of my missing daughter, Mackenzie Trottier. We raise children in a loving environment hoping for them nothing but the brightest future that is full and complete. I hope that as you view these paintings you will be reminded of how you feel about the people that you love. When you raise a child who has suddenly gone missing you are reminded of all the wonderful things about that child. As difficult as it is, sometimes the result of nurture and love ends not what is intended.

Worldwide magpies stay in an area year-round. Black-billed magpies live in our area year-round. They are sometimes viewed as pests, thieves, and a nuisance around us. We often see them daily, but most of the time we ignore them, or pass by without a thought. This show attempts to bring Magpies into focus. In much the same way, I hope to bring the issue of my daughter’s absence, and many other disappearances of many others into focus. Much like the magpie, we find it easy to move through our day forgetting that there are loved people who are missing.

Mackenzie went missing December 21, 2020. Her family and friends have posted posters, rented billboards, fought with agencies to recognize her disappearance, and worked tirelessly with local and federal police. We get tired, angry, and frustrated, but mostly we are sad. We carry on because we must; because our love has not stopped. We simply want our loved daughter, Mackenzie, home.

When Mackenzie was young, her favourite bird was the Magpie. She called them Maga-pie. She would spend time at the front door watching them in the front yard. “Dad the Maga-pies came to visit again today…they are my friends.” While struggling to deal with her disappearance, I have had numerous encounters with magpies and see them in my dreams. The message that I receive is, “Don’t give up. I am here with you. I am waiting for you.” In this collection, these birds have come to represent Mackenzie’s life, a human being who is a part of this community. The work represents the lives of all those who are missing. – Paul Trottier

About Paul Trottier

Paul Trottier lives and works in Saskatoon and Prince Albert. As an artist, he has shown in numerous locations across Canada, often with the group “Men Who Paint”. A recipient of numerous accolades, Paul’s work is collected in both private and public collections in Canada and abroad. Spending his time painting across Canada, Paul is fortunate to practice his passion and experience plein air painting at its finest. Paul worked at the University of Saskatchewan for over twenty years in numerous capacities and was the past director of the internationally acclaimed Emma Lake Kenderdine Campus. Professionally trained as an arts and ecological educator, he continues his passion for the arts as the owner of Hues Art Supply in Saskatoon.