1 5/8" wide x 6" long

This piece is part of the exhibition ‘Growing Together: Themes of Nurturing in Northwest Coast Silver Jewellery’ held at Lattimer Gallery between September 22 - October 6, 2023.

"After a forest fire, the first plant to grow back is the fireweed flower. The contrast of the bright purple flowers against the recently charred background is visually very striking. Growing up in the Okanagan, I have plenty of experience with forest fires. They take a large toll on all the residents: plant, animal and human. But then the following Spring, with everyone still in low spirits, the fireweed flowers start to bloom. These flowers act as a symbol of hope and strength. That even where there is devastation, there is beauty and the potential to grow back stronger. I am from the Gitxsan band, Killerwhale/fireweed clan. Being a part of the Fireweed clan has always been special to me. It has made me feel connected to my ancestors. That I, like them, possess the strength to rebuild no matter the devastation. I wanted to use this piece to show the connection between forest fires and the fireweed flower as a way to encourage others that we all have that same strength and resilience in life and that our resilience is what makes us beautiful. 

In the centre of my piece are the fireweed flowers. They are tall, vibrant and full of potential. They are growing out of the flames that border the bottom of the cuff and go up each side. On the left and right are pine trees purposefully just in silhouette, so that you can’t tell if they are burned or possibly already regrowing. The sun and moon are present to show the passing of time. This is also shown through the way I carved the single line hatching in the background. The hatching is directional, and when held in the right light, will show one side as being light and one side being dark. Day into night and into day again. We keep going, strong and beautiful."

-Meaghan McRae