Artist Statement
"The inspiration behind the project was to bridge a connection between my Katzie ancestry, our youth and the land that we all share," said Katzie artist Rain Pierre. "I had the opportunity to work with area youth that were part of the eco-tourism program and a walk we all did in a local park. That connection with youth made my heart sing and inspired me. The youth illustrated the native plants that we found on that walk and I’ve incorporated their illustrations into the bellies of the hummingbirds that are part of the illumination."
"I chose a hummingbird because I have a connection with them and their unique attributes,"
explains Pierre. "They are the only bird that can fly backwards and that ability fascinates me. I’m very excited to be part of this project and this is a very unique opportunity to reach out as part of the reconciliation work happening in the community. I look forward to sharing the story how my design went from an illustration on my iPad to a completed sculpture."
