We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.
Produced with the support of the City of Toronto through Toronto Arts Council.
they are loved-an epidemic of grief
On Friday, Feb. 17, 2023 we lost our beautiful son Parker to drug poisoning.
Parker (Uncle P to his friends), was a wonderful soul, who loved life, his family and his friends. He lit up a room like no one else could. People were drawn to his personality and natural joy of life.
Parker was my staunchest supporter and my harshest critic. I loved when he came with me to install my work and we spent almost every Saturday together shopping, eating and chatting. I was a lucky person to have such a friend.
If you are struggling, reach out for help. If you are a parent of a struggling child, don’t give up. Although we may not be able to save them, we must try. Abandoning them should never be an option. A more committed effort on the part of pharmaceutical companies, governments and law enforcement is needed to help the people suffering from mental health issues such as addiction and the opioid crisis in particular.
Parker (Uncle P to his friends), was a wonderful soul, who loved life, his family and his friends. He lit up a room like no one else could. People were drawn to his personality and natural joy of life.
Parker was my staunchest supporter and my harshest critic. I loved when he came with me to install my work and we spent almost every Saturday together shopping, eating and chatting. I was a lucky person to have such a friend.
If you are struggling, reach out for help. If you are a parent of a struggling child, don’t give up. Although we may not be able to save them, we must try. Abandoning them should never be an option. A more committed effort on the part of pharmaceutical companies, governments and law enforcement is needed to help the people suffering from mental health issues such as addiction and the opioid crisis in particular.
Call to others who have lost someone to drug poisoning in Canada.
They are loved-an epidemic of grief
Grief is universal, but not all loss is socially supported; this is disenfranchised grief. When a loss is unrecognized, or the grieving person is marginalized (e.g., due to addiction or mental health issues), their pain is often unseen.
As a grieving mother and artist, my project aims to raise awareness of the lives lost across Canada and physically show that each person was loved. Though born from my personal loss, this project will grow to represent hundreds of loved ones.
The installation uses textiles donated by families surviving a loss due to substance consumption. These fabrics are cut into strips and tied together, binding our shared pain. Families without a textile can choose one from my collected database to commemorate their loved one.
Sadly, this project will likely continue to expand unless we improve mental health support. Please contact me if you would like to participate.
Hugs from my broken momma’s heart.
Grief is universal, but not all loss is socially supported; this is disenfranchised grief. When a loss is unrecognized, or the grieving person is marginalized (e.g., due to addiction or mental health issues), their pain is often unseen.
As a grieving mother and artist, my project aims to raise awareness of the lives lost across Canada and physically show that each person was loved. Though born from my personal loss, this project will grow to represent hundreds of loved ones.
The installation uses textiles donated by families surviving a loss due to substance consumption. These fabrics are cut into strips and tied together, binding our shared pain. Families without a textile can choose one from my collected database to commemorate their loved one.
Sadly, this project will likely continue to expand unless we improve mental health support. Please contact me if you would like to participate.
Hugs from my broken momma’s heart.
They Are Loved-an epidemic of grief
Exhibition Schedule
2026
Museum of Recovery-UK, Aurora Cultural Centre, The Artist Project, Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, The LAIR Galleries
2025
Museum of Health Kingston
Exhibition Schedule
2026
Museum of Recovery-UK, Aurora Cultural Centre, The Artist Project, Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, The LAIR Galleries
2025
Museum of Health Kingston