Mark of a Nation

Composition 0318
2025
Wood panel, canvas, acrylic paint, ChromaLife100+ ink, paper, Canadian Postage Stamps
16 inches diameter
Approximately 864  paper pieces 

The concentric circles of Mark of a Nation, Composition 0318 by Lesley Luce explore Canada’s evolving sovereignty through the lens of its postal history. This meticulously handcrafted piece incorporates postage designs from pre-Confederation British Columbia and Newfoundland stamps, wartime issues from 1942–43, and contemporary stamps from our allies in the Commonwealth and the European Union—all sourced from the artist’s own collection.

Stamps serve as both historical artefacts and symbols of independence, marking key moments in Canada’s identity and tracing the country’s path from a British colony to a sovereign nation. This work was inspired, in part, by early 21st-century rhetoric questioning Canada’s sovereignty—a reminder that history is not just something we study, but something that is continuously tested and reinforced. The layered composition reflects the enduring presence of Canada’s past, while the circular structure mirrors the repeated use of stamps as official proof of sovereignty.

From afar, Mark of a Nation appears as a bold, structured abstraction, but up close, its intricate details reveal a visual archive of Canada’s independence. Through the careful arrangement of these micro-artifacts, this work invites viewers to reflect on the resilience, identity, and sovereignty that define Canada today.