Motherland – Mother Earth celebrating Canada

IN A TIME OF DIVISION, I CREATED THIS TO UNITE US.

I recently finished this painting, ‘Motherland.’ As I was creating it, I was thinking about what it means to be Canadian. I wanted to capture the essence of our collective hope and resilience.

Mother Earth is celebrating Canada. A meditative Mandela, designed digitally, contains circling maple leaves, bears, moose, beavers and hockey sticks. The Celtic knot represents the continuous spirit of Canadians from all walks of life. Near its centre, the unofficial flower of Canada (we don’t have an officially designated national flower), the Bunchberry. In an online poll, 80% chose it. Look for Bunchberries across Canada, particularly in moist woodlands and forested areas, including swamps and forest clearings in June and July.

A Trillium, the flower of Ontario, adorns her hair and sits on her shoulder at the edge of a field of Canadian wildflowers. A young male Elk, only native to North America, grazes at the forest edge under Mother Earth’s ear. A lone Maple Leaf, as the one which adorns our flag, reveals itself behind the wild forest. Top right, three birds fly east; a Canada Goose, a Dove, the bird of peace, symbolizing a head-on journey into the future. Bottom right, over the Mandela, a white feather represents purity and freedom. In many cultures feathers are used in ceremonies as a symbol of honour and respect.

This painting is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the Canadian spirit remains unbroken. In face of opposing views of how to make Canada better for all of us, It’s a celebration of our unifying ideals, of our connection to nature, and of our unwavering hope for the future. If you’re feeling threatened or silenced, this is here to remind you of the strength of our collective spirit – of your own strength.