Connection Through the Land

I was born and raised in northeast Calgary, where I spent time in the parks and green spaces, notably Nose Hill Park. As an adult, when I return to these spaces, I notice the changes — the growth in a tree or a new walking path created by other visitors who, like me, appreciate this space. I have also enjoyed the pathways created by people who walked the land before us. This community is developed over time and is connected through their mutual love of the land. Threads are used to connect things — the land is the thread that connects the communities of northeast Calgary.

Through my artwork, Connection Through the Land, I used threads of many colours, duplicating the colour palette of Nose Hill Park in early spring. The horizon line in this artwork hints at the vegetation seen on Nose Hill and a pathway created by those who have enjoyed this park through the years. The landscape created through threads is also fragile looking, reminding us that we must be responsible stewards of these spaces. The layers of this artwork are reminiscent of sediment layers or tree rings, showing the passage of time. Like a land acknowledgement, a sense of gratitude is expressed for the stewards who have lived, worked and played on this land before us. The opportunity to enjoy spaces like Nose Hill Park exists because of those who lived before us and took care of them.

I was born and raised in northeast Calgary, where I spent time in the parks and green spaces, notably Nose Hill Park. As an adult, when I return to these spaces, I notice the changes — the growth in a tree or a new walking path created by other visitors who, like me, appreciate this space. I have also enjoyed the pathways created by people who walked the land before us. This community is developed over time and is connected through their mutual love of the land. Threads are used to connect things — the land is the thread that connects the communities of northeast Calgary.

Through my artwork, Connection Through the Land, I used threads of many colours, duplicating the colour palette of Nose Hill Park in early spring. The horizon line in this artwork hints at the vegetation seen on Nose Hill and a pathway created by those who have enjoyed this park through the years. The landscape created through threads is also fragile looking, reminding us that we must be responsible stewards of these spaces. The layers of this artwork are reminiscent of sediment layers or tree rings, showing the passage of time. Like a land acknowledgement, a sense of gratitude is expressed for the stewards who have lived, worked and played on this land before us. The opportunity to enjoy spaces like Nose Hill Park exists because of those who lived before us and took care of them.