I immigrated to Canada in 2002 in search of freedom to create my own art; this country has enabled me to expand as a person and as an artist/maker. However, along with that freedom there has been an inevitable confusion around the idea of ‘belonging’. England, where I was born, is in my blood and my imagination. It has formed my identity.
The wreath symbolizes the ‘small death’ that I and many who leave their homeland experience: bereft of my native landscape; friends and family; a passing of the life that I might have had.

The butterflies represent serendipity and joyful freedom – but they are very lightly tethered by graphite lines (that can be removed), illustrating a tension. The debossed butterfly imprint suggests what is left ‘back home’ when a person emigrates.

The ‘tension’ is where I live – a kind of ‘inbetweendom’.
Ultimately the piece asks “Are the butterflies free?”

Cabin Vibe continues to expand! More great collaborations and stores now stocking Cabin Vibe:

Thanks everyone for checking out my work!!!