About the Painting

Trying to capture the essence and spirit of a man is a difficult endeavor. It is immeasurably much more difficult when that man is John Ruedy.

In her painting The Quest, commissioned by the NSHRF and Capital Health, artist Renée Forrestall has brought together the elements that define excellence in health research and that exemplify Dr. Ruedy's quest for excellence.

The tree, a symbol of strength and flexibility, is rooted in deep, rich soil that sustains and fosters growth. The richness of that soil is akin to the support of senior researchers and educators who foster the growth of a new generation of health researchers. Dr. Ruedy is such a mentor and supporter.

Then there is light. Light that reflects the characteristics of illumination, discovery, spirit, and continuity. There is great capacity here, and great potential ’Äì and it is within reach.

That potential will be realized through connections to one another, much as growth and evolution is attained through the branches of a tree feeding back to the roots and reaching ever higher through the offshoots and capillaries that are sustained by those roots.

The strength of the health research community in Nova Scotia emanates from leaders like Dr. Ruedy. He has been, and he remains, a guiding light.

Download the PDF version of The Quest (PDFAttachment) informational brochure