ASSINIBOIA - A mural called mural ‘The Climb 2023’, a creation by Stephanie Barrios Bellefleur from Willow Bunch, now dons the sidewall of the Shopper’s Drug Mart Building.
Stephanie is quoted:
With every mural I have the opportunity to do, I am always trying to find ways to better understand the spaces they will reside: in addition to transcending much of what I am experiencing in my own life/journey.
This piece is incredibly important in regards to the relevant themes happening not only within our community, but on a Universal scale. My hopes are always that through this work I am able to spread more love and unity in the world. Our connection and support to one another human experience, to which makes for better sense of agency, sustenance and the richness of living life to its fullest potential.
What does the mural mean?
The Owl: Barn owls are important guardians and predators that exist within the unseen worlds. I selected this bird as another important pillar for this community as it honors and brings goodness to the light. I was lucky to see one come and visit me while I painted the mural.
Elder Berries: Natural healing remedies during our cold winter months.
Orange, Blue and Pink ribbons: The orange ribbon is with respect to Residential School Survivors, National Day of Truth and Reconciliation as the birth of this mural was cultivated on September 30. Every Child Matters!
Cactus: They grow throughout the prairie grasslands in abundance.
Tobacco: One of the four sacred medicines as an offering with respect to our First Nations, indigenous and Treaty Four Territory.
Gold Sentient Beings: (Floating within the wings) Our Lighthaus Participants from our Lantern workshop and mentoring programs.
Red Ribbon Across the Wings: Stolen, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
Black Stream: Our Sub-conscious and connection to the dream world and unseen realms.
Moon Phases: Agriculture and the Farmers Almanac.
Crocus and Wild Flowers that blossom and bloom during our radiant spring/summer months.
Selenite Gypsum Crystal: Above the head of the owl, which you can find here and have handpicked on hikes with my family in Southern Saskatchewan.
I hope that this mural will bring a deeper sense of both peace and joy to the Town of Assiniboia, I feel not only grateful but lucky to have been asked twice to pain here within this community. It was an honour. To everyone who stopped to share your stories with me, you are the reason why I do this. What will exist within this space are the guardians that will positively protect both the exit and entrance points to this community from North to South.
May ‘The Climb’ activate the creative power within all of us.
