A portal-frame sculpture carved from sustainably salvaged log wood using chainsaw and power tools. Two eagles fly together – one adult, one juvenile. This is the Portal of Healing.
Where are they going?
Why are they going there?
Why is there one young and one mature eagle?
What does it represent in real life?
Who does it represent?
What lies ahead for them?
Who is leading the other?
What does the title mean?
These are all clues to discovering the underlying message of the artwork.
These questions can be answered differently by everyone - and no one is wrong! This is why art is amazing.
We each find meaning in art that reflects our own inner story. We discover unique truths and connections meant to be personally uncovered in the process of viewing and thinking about the art.
What you take away from experiencing the art is meaningful to you. That, alone, is a valuable interaction that makes an impression that stays with you.
Digging Deeper
If you're reading this far, you must be one of the curious minds, the deep thinkers, the mystery-solvers, the empathic feelers, with a drive to dig deeper and know things beyond surface-level understanding.
So you ask yourself:
What did the Artist intend to represent?
That can be an entirely different answer, and a mystery that viewers love to figure out.
The Story Behind the Art
The artwork was created with inspiration observed in nature and the firsthand account of an empowered storyteller.
Enza and I connected with the purpose of interpreting human experience into art. She chose to share her story of intergenerational trauma through Indigenous lineage and the effects it has on personal, family, educational, financial, socio-economic, and career dynamics.
Institutional systemic pressures and trauma continue to be passed forward and present formidable barriers that could easily continue for several generations, but she is determined to overcome them.
Breaking the cycle is a courageous decision. By taking on the responsibility of healing oneself, one also faces the trauma and difficulty of all previous generations.
She changes her course in life through inner soul work, forgiveness, and outer redirection of actions.
Through this, she heals not only herself; she honors the previous generations by acknowledging their reality, she interrupts the cycle of disadvantage, and she provides healing for all generations to come.
Commitment and hard work rewrite history and lead the younger generation to a new future of empowerment.
Leading the way by example through dedication to learning, honoring family lineage, developing a career, taking on the role as a decision-maker, challenging boundaries and limitations, prioritizing personal happiness, and following the dream of creating a new version of success.
The Importance of Sharing Stories
We all have a story to tell.
When people begin to understand others' stories, it creates a portal for taking ownership of the pathways being traveled. Storytelling validates reality and takes a step in the direction of healing.
Intergenerational trauma and systemic disadvantage is a reality shared by many people.
Sharing this story is important to acknowledge the truth, the history, the ongoing cycle, and the personal input it takes to overcome these still-prevalent barriers.
Stories of leadership, healing, and purposeful life redirection celebrate these acts of intergenerational love; it reframes the future, and guides others on a new pathway.
Interpretive Artwork
My artistic intent is to serve as a channel to deliver interpretation, healing, and connection to others through the artwork. I opened myself to receive inspiration from nature to create a meaningful artwork that is relevant and honoring to the topic.
I hiked through a remote area of forest to find a quiet spot to sit in contemplation near the river.
While thinking of Enza's story, I stopped in awe as two eagles flew above. A mature bald eagle leading, followed by a juvenile eagle - the parent guiding the way for the younger generation to follow.
