Prairie Feathers

On the left, the Whooping Crane with a wreath of Dalea Villosa Clover. Prairie Grouse with a wreath of Sage and Verbena. Both the Prairie Grouse and the Whooping Crane are endangered on the prairies due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Sagebrush is an important part of the grouse’ for both food and shelter. Sagebrush, Verbena, and Dalea Villosa Clover are all endangered plants. These beautiful birds and plant populations are deteriorating. There environments are in need of protection and you can help.

Visit www.naturesask.ca to donate and help with conservation efforts.

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Into the Depths

Mental illness affects us all – some personally, others indirectly. My work is centered around the use of fairytale themes as metaphoric narratives for examining mental illnesses. This series of work explores emotional environments, focusing on two distinct settings: the forest and the sea. For me, these are environments in which I have little personal experience, so they leave me with a sense of unknown. There is also a duality between these environments; they can be both serene and wild. I think that’s why I’m attracted to them.

Both environments resonate with people in different ways. The forest represents an obstacle to surpass or a hardship that must be traversed, but it can also be a place of tranquility. The sea acts in similar ways; it can symbolize a weight that must be overcome but it can also envelop you like a soothing blanket.

The creatures that inhabit these environments play an important role in this series. These creatures can be perceived as either a benevolent and calm presence, or a dangerous, threatening one. The character that appears throughout these drawings acts as a reflection of myself. The play of scale and proportions in my work accentuates one’s vulnerability and represents the overwhelming feelings that can paralyze those who suffer from mental illnesses. Isolation and obsession are also recurring thematic elements that appear within these works.

I was inspired to create this body of work because mental illness has touched my life in many ways. My work is a reflection of my identity, and mental health has been a process of growth in my life. The feeling of being small and vulnerable in a vast, overwhelming world is something I think many people can relate to, and I believe bringing these discussions forward can help break down the stigma around mental health.