12 x 24 inches, 2 pieces
oil on panel
In Collaboration with Deanna Erickson, Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve

This piece is a celebration of the manoomin wild rice that grows in the shallows of the St. Louis River in Duluth, Minnesota. In the river, manoomin is a natural participant in the ecosystem and a cultural landmark for the people of the Ojibwa tribe. The Manoomin wild rice is the only grain native to North America and the harvesting of it was once a sacred act (Kaitlin). It’s as much part of the people as it is of the history of the land. In addition, it also has an important ecological role by securing loose soil and collecting sources of nutrients for surrounding life (Protecting). The figures in the painting depict how modern-day people can participate in the culture of wild rice by harvesting in canoes. The water is painted with translucent layers that shimmer in the setting sun. As past and present interests collide, conservationists work diligently to continue the tradition of our native lands. This piece is inspired by the hopefulness for the future of wild rice.