The Homecoming - 16x20" archival print
Story: In the Great Sky Nation a boy meets his Grandfather for the first time as the Great Homecoming begins. He lifts the child up to the Creator with a full and joyful heart. Far below a great rage blankets the nation. Our Mother the Earth holds our children's bones and cradles their tender spirits as they begin the journey home.
On September 30th in Canada we acknowledge Residential School survivors. Art for Aid has released a new archival print in honour of the children who attended these institutions. The print titled "The Homecoming" was featured on billboards in Canada in cooperation with Artists Against Racism and Pattison Advertising in 2021. We were grateful for their support. Prints can be ordered here, through www.artforaidshop.ca with proceeds going to support the work of Art for Aid. The artwork was inspired by the national outrage that swept the country after the announcement of suspected residential school graves at Kamloops in May 2021. The announcement dominated the headlines and occupied hearts around the world, uniting all in grief and shock.
In this art piece, I chose to balance anger with love, focusing on a reunion of great joy, far removed from the anger that was sweeping the nation. The investigations using Ground Penetrating Radar continue to make discoveries, but it will take many years to gather information. Not all will be found, but all are loved and acknowledged on September 30th and beyond.