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 - Thank you to the
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 - Thank you to the
|
|
The shape of this installation is inspired by the Saguaro cactus skeleton.
When a Saguaro cactus dies, the soft outer body disappears, leaving behind a strong inner structure — a ribbed skeleton that once held the living plant upright in the desert. Even after life has left it, the structure remains as a quiet reminder of what once grew there. For me, this form holds deep meaning. My son Parker loved the shape of the Saguaro cactus skeleton. It was one of his favorite forms — something we noticed and talked about together. In this installation, I use that shape to honour him and to remember all those who have been lost to addiction. Addiction takes people from us, but it does not erase their presence, their impact, or the love that remains. Like the skeleton of the cactus, what is left behind carries memory, strength, and the stories of lives that mattered. This work is a space for remembrance. It honours Parker, and all those whose lives were cut short by addiction. It also honours the families, friends, and communities who continue to carry their memory forward. Every structure stands as a marker of love, loss, and resilience. |