Northern Sunrise expresses Mother Nature's reaction to the welcoming warmth of the spring sun in the northern areas of Alberta, Canada. The sun is a rare commodity in the north, especially during the winter months, and the light of a spring sunrise is a refreshing treasure. There are moments which represent the gentle rose and violet hues of the sunrise slowly cascading above the horizon and birds waking up to sing, insects buzzing, wild animals grazing and the wind gently blowing and whistling through the tall grass. Further on in the composition, there are segments where cold and blustery winds bring in ominous clouds and rain, as they often do in the northern areas of Alberta during the spring season. As the earth wrestles with the changing season, a northern spring sunrise symbolizes hope of the forthcoming renewal of life and the promise of increased warmth and light.
The film accompanying Northern Sunrise explores images of submission and renewal, focusing on the transitional period between day and night. The composition is juxtaposed by the visual of the sun setting over the horizon, evoking a feeling of simultaneously holding on and letting go.
