Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Walking in Two Worlds: Visual Expressions by SFU Students

Three submissions by SFU students have been selected as part of a call for submissions of visual expressions with a personalized interpretation of the theme Walking in Two Worlds. These visual expressions are now displayed on the construction fencing at the future site of the First Peoples' Gathering House.

Read more about the selected works and the SFU students who created them. 

I recently completed my BA in English and Philosophy at SFU. Now, I am pursuing a Masters in Philosophy in Switzerland. 

As an Indigenous student, walking in two worlds can be quite jarring. For most of my life, the worlds felt very distinct, that I was a different person in each world. As I've gotten older, I have been trying to find a way to 'bridge the gap' which was my major inspiration for this piece, as you can tell from the small text I added to the piece. I have begun bridging the gap between these worlds, but it is a journey which is why I liked the idea of a long abstract bridge to represent this. 

I am from Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribe of the west coast of Vancouver Island. My mom is Catherine Martin, daughter of Barney Williams. I am also third generation Chinese. My grandmother came to BC from the south of China about 65 years ago.

Coming from two different minorities, it can be hard to fully relate to others. Growing up, I quickly realized how my brother and I were different. I struggled to try to relate to both cultures. My First Nations family felt so detached because of inter generational trauma that affected my family's relationships. My Chinese family was also so far away in Calgary- I felt like I did not get a good chance to fully experience the culture. Today, I've accepted my situation and am comfortable identifying as Canadian.

I am a composer-performer of European and Kanien’kehá:ka (Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, Turtle Clan) heritage. I am currently based on Musquem, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh territories*. 

My current artistic practice includes learning kanyen’keha (Mohawk language), which informs my creative expression. I am inspired by the connections between embodiment, language, land, and memory, and I explore both conscious and unconscious realms in my work. Dreaming serves as a guiding force in my artistic journey.

I am currently pursuing studies in two disciplines. I am a student in the Indigenous Studies department at Burnaby Simon Fraser University. Additionally, I am enrolled in the Music and Sound program at the School for Contemporary Arts. Through my diverse educational creative pursuits, I strive to make meaningful and transformative experiences through my work.

I'm happy to provide insight into my choices regarding this particular piece. To begin, I'll speak to the imagery I've employed.

Firstly, the backdrop of florals was captured during my time on Burnaby Mountain. I merged two layers of wildflowers to create the effect you see. These bursts of florals were a common sight during my walks on the mountain in both early and late spring. Through experimentation with colour and contrast, I evolved this composition into something that evoked a resemblance to deep space photography. Interestingly, I think this aesthetic aligns well with the proximity of the Trottier Observatory and the First Peoples Gathering house.

Secondly, I superimposed an iconic image, which I also experimented with colour on,  of the poet E. Pauline Johnson onto the wildflowers. This image was sourced from public archives and was chosen deliberately in relation to the project's theme, "Walking in Two Worlds." Pauline, known as Tekahionwake in Kanienʼkéha, translates to "Double Wampum" in English, signifying her dual heritage from both Kanien’kehá:ka and European lineages.

Pauline's journey has greatly inspired me. Much like her, I am an artist residing away from Six Nations, embodying a mixed heritage of Kanien’kehá:ka and European. Her image and spirit have provided me with a profound sense of grounding. With this piece, I aspire to offer a similar grounding experience to those familiar with Pauline's story. It's my hope that individuals from my mom's nation or others who share sentiments similar to mine will perhaps see this artwork and find a connection.

*Due to limitations of this website, please view this message in its original form.