"An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place or circumstances. The thread may stretch or tangle, but will never break." - early Chinese belief

Since his Canadian debut nearly four years ago, Meister's Mr. M character has become an iconic image in not only the gallery but within the Vancouver community who embraces this fond figure as one of their own. His presence (ironically nondescript in appearance) has been associated, both literally and abstractly, with the Westcoast landscape despite its changes over the years.

Using the early Chinese idiom of "the red thread" - the connection linking humanity to one another, as inspiration this time, Meister creates a body of work that represents this idea in more than literal ways. For one, the introduction of the crow, another familiar Vancouver creature often mythically portrayed in red, suggests the mobility and transcendence of the thread theme. Aesthetically, the addition of the vibrant red into the landscape's muted earth tones we have come to associate with Meister's work presents a powerful contrast, speaking boldly to the series' new direction.

However, what has not changed is the extraordinary attention to detail Meister gives to her work. An attention that is almost meticulous in manner and apparent in the quality of the paintings. It is without question that The Red Thread is Meister's strongest work to date.

Pennylane J. Shen, Curator of Jacana Gallery, Fall, 2009

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