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.
The encounter with the two eagles in the wilderness resonated with Enza’s story of the adult actively guiding the way for the younger generations to follow - by healing intergenerational trauma and overcoming systemic disadvantage in her Indigenous lineage.
The connection between human nature and wild nature inspired the artwork, and “Portal of Healing” emerged.
Symbolism & Healing Through Art
The future lies ahead framed through a passageway. It honors those flying forward together in the direction of intergenerational hope and healing. It is a transition from one side of history to the other, leading the way for others to follow. Healing starts here by telling your story. Healing starts here by listening to others’ stories.
Artwork Details
Michelle Thevenot
Portal of Healing, 2021
89 x 100 x 16 inches
Wood sculpture with chainsaw and power tools, pyrography, wood stain, oil paint, spar urethane
June 2022 Update - "Portal of Healing" Installed at Stoney Knoll Interpretive Site
“Portal of Healing” has been installed as the signature entryway into the Stoney Knoll Interpretive Site near Laird, Saskatchewan.
In the Spring of 2022, I was contacted by Barb & Wilmer Froese, farmers from the Laird area. They were interested in my chainsaw carving art, so I invited them to come see the sculptures I had available.
When I showed the Froeses this eagle archway and began telling the story behind it, they immediately felt that this piece resonated deeply with their purpose for being there. As it turns out, Barb and Wilmer were involved in developing a new interpretive site focused on truth and reconciliation of local Indigenous-settler history (details below). They were seeking an eye-catching and symbolically meaningful artwork to add to the landscaping. The sentiment behind the "Portal of Healing" fit exactly what they were looking for. We were all astonished that, by coincidence or providence, we happened to connect this art piece with the most suitable place and purpose. It was meant to be.
In June 2022, my trusty crew of installers (husband and son) transported and installed "Portal of Healing" at its new home.
What Is Stoney Knoll?
What is Stoney Knoll all about? Here's a trailer for the film Reserve 107 - Reconciliation on the Prairies:
Watch the full documentary here:
The following is a press release from Stoney Knoll Historical Committee (June 2022):
New Site Showcases Local Story Of Reconciliation In Rural Saskatchewan
Stoney Knoll Interpretive Site will be officially opened in a public ceremony on Wednesday, June 22, 2022. Stoney Knoll is located in the RM of Laird, between Waldheim and Rosthern.
History: Stoney Knoll (Cree: opwashemoe chakatinaw) is the focal point of Reserve 107. This land was originally reserved by Treaty for the Young Chippewayan Cree band, but after 1897 it was illegally reappropriated and sold to Mennonite and Lutheran settlers. In the last few decades, members of these three communities have come together in a unique way to learn about the story of the land that they all have an interest in.
In 2006, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by representatives of the Young Chippewayan First Nation, Mennonites and Lutherans, to work together for “a timely and respectful resolution of the issues which history has left to us.” This story is well told in the 2015 award-winning documentary Reserve 107: Reconciliation on the Prairies.
The new Interpretive Site grew out of the vision of local Mennonite landowners Wilmer & Barb Froese, who desired to have a permanent, visible record of this on-going story of reconciliation. The site has been developed by the Stoney Knoll Historical Committee in collaboration with the local St John’s Lutheran congregation (titleholder for the property), members of the Young Chippewayan / Stoney Knoll First Nation, and the Office of the Treaty Commissioner.
The site is intended to be a welcoming space for Indigenous people in particular, as well as to others from far and wide who have heard about the Reserve 107 story. It holds significant cultural, spiritual, educational, and tourism value for the region and beyond. As Wilmer Froese has said, “this is a story of bridge-building and peacemaking.”
Features: this project presents a series of storyboards outlining the history and significant of the locale. Alongside a landscaped path, there is also a gathering circle where guests can pause for reflection, discussion, or prayers.
Visit Stoney Knoll Historical Site
Experience this historic place in person, learn through the interpretive storyboards, and take in the view atop Stoney Knoll.
The outdoor location is open to the public and free of charge.
What Next?
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