Natural Kinship

What does it mean to have kinship? As human beings, we create categories. Categories which define the boundaries of our relationships. Who am I? Who are you? Who are we? But as I get older, I see these lines blurring, becoming faint and then evaporating away. But not just between people. I see the connectedness of us all. Here. On Earth. I wonder about the language of animals. And the relationships of trees. Ancient forests that even western science knows communicate and care for its members.
Different cultures have traditionally held views on the details of these relationships but in light of how we act on behalf of those we care about, I believe it is time that we all consider what it means to have kinship with our siblings in humanity as well as our broad family. Our relatives, the living beings of Earth. 

As Artist In Residence at the Penticton Arts Council, it is my aim to use my passion for portraiture to create a body of work that connects climate activists from diverse backgrounds in BC. These climate warriors are working to bring about changes in policy, education, public perception, economy and community. 
The aim of this project, 'Natural Kinship', is to create a series of portraits that celebrate the efforts and achievements of Climate Activists in BC. It is my hope that when people view these portraits, they will see themselves, find their own voices and community in shared action.