2015-2016 Transformation in Earth and Stone
Collaborative community based ceremonial public art work
Collaboration with Xwalacktun - Squamish Nation
Fort McMurray First Nation, AB
Transformation in Earth and Stone is an community based artwork that was
co-designed and created with youth, adults and elders of Fort McMurray
First Nation #468 and financed by the community. The artist team included
Xwalactun (Squamish Nation) and Cleo Reese (local Media Artist and
Educator). As the leader of the artist team, I conceptualized, developed
and led execution. The 50' medicine wheel garden installation encorporated a
'Thunderbird Egg' or erratic boulder a the central part of the design. The
boulder along with four direction stones and multiple smaller stones were
etched in petroglyph style by community members with the guidance of artist
team members. Elders were so moved by the work that it was also designated
a ceremonial site for future community gatherings and honourings. The
garden will be planted with berries and medicinal plants in the Spring of 2016.