Cradled in HistoryAs I continue to unearth who I am, my future, where I belong, and my strengths and weaknesses, the Rooted Here: Woven From the Land exhibition at The Vancouver Art Gallery reminds me that much of who I am is shaped by my lineage. My history extends beyond my parents as my origins, through a complex historical weaving of many lives and generations. Our ancestors’ stories, traditions, experiences, practices and genetics form pathways like roots that reach far and wide, supporting and nourishing the lives to follow. Exploring some of these roots led me to a collection of letters my great-grandfathers wrote on both sides of my family. My mother’s grandfather’s letters were written from World War II’s trenches to his wife back home in Canada. A postcard from my father's grandfather, a Lutheran minister, was sent to his son while he was attending a church conference. By weaving these letters together, I memorialize and honour the lives that preceded mine, holding close the hands that contributed to writing my origin story. From them emerges a cradling blanket, supporting and comforting me through my journey of self-discovery and growth. |