04/01/2026
I wanted to post the story behind this painting on my birthday. I look forward to your feedback! PM me for a print.
Painting Title: Standing Bear and The Great Eviction
A moment in time: Our home is changing
Original Medium: Acrylic paint
Size: 16x20
UPROOTED
On the run
I am Makwa, named Standing Bear by my mother. This is my home. I know every inch of this territory. My entire world is here. Here I am safe, confident, strong and self assured. This is my story.
In the early morning, I look at the beauty of this landscape; the worn path carved through the underbrush, the sunlit meadow bordered by birches, Tamarack trees, the soft mossy ground and the craggy hills in the distance. I inhale fresh smells carried by a gentle breeze; the damp scent of the earth and fallen leaves tell the tales of last night's rain. There's a mingling sweet smell of over-ripe berries in a distant bush - it is the bounty and decay that mark the passing of seasons and the many seasons yet to come.
I am grateful for the warmth of sun-dappled rocks under my paws, the hum of insects busy near the water, and the sound of the wind rustling in the branches. I am proud of this territory. I am part of this territory, and every whiff, sound, and brush of my fur against a tree communicates something; be it danger, opportunity, or simply just being, living.
This year, the heat has been higher than ever before. When I go to the water, there are less buzzing bugs, and there is less water than before. I wonder why all of that is?
My ancestors speak to me. They say a great uncertainty is to come. I don't really understand, but I feel their worry in my gut and a shiver that passes from the top of my head to the tips of my paws. I pray daily for good health, good food, safety and gentleness.
Suddenly, I smell the sharp tang of another Bear’s scent. I approach the Tamarack trees, as I stand to the left of those medicine trees, I notice markings on a tree. This is not good. This is just not good at all! Maybe they are just passing through?
My body starts to sweat, I’m swaying side to side and my mouth fills with bubbling saliva. I feel overwhelmed and scared as my vision gets blurry. I start to run as I break through the tree line and enter the clearing. I see the intruding bears running towards me. I lunge.
As my breathing slows I look down at the intruding bears. I had wanted to scare them off to protect my territory; but my bite was too sharp and the intruding sow bear had fallen. Overwhelmed with guilt, I sank to the ground. As I looked back towards the trees, I noticed two wee cubs watching me and looking at their mother’s lifeless body.
At that very moment, a bright light floods the entire area. I see a Spirit of the Natural World appear between the two cubs. The Spirit spoke with a gentle voice; “I am Hope. I am a Spirit of the Natural World. You will adopt these cubs as your own. You will share teachings, you will provide for them, and you will protect the next generation”. I take a moment to understand the words. I ask Spirit; “Why did they come here?”. Spirit replies; “These bears were evicted from their territory. The two-leggeds chased them away in the name of progress. They did not consider the beings who already inhabited the territory or the impact of their actions on them and the surrounding lands.” I felt anger, and shouted; “Why? Why do they not think of us? There must be a better way! It's not right.” Spirit replied; “Many of them have forgotten their responsibilities towards the Land. Some of them do not care about the deadly outcomes of their actions.” Spirit paused before saying; “You must raise these cubs with the hope of a better future.” Then the Spirit vanished.
The next day, as the cubs slept beside me, I looked out over my home. I am unsure of what the future holds, but we will pray for the return of balance and harmony with Mother Earth and all of its inhabitants of this wonderful magical place. Lets all return to the Land!!!
Artist statement
Our animal relatives count on us to maintain our responsibilities and live in balance with all living beings.
Spirit has never been more present in this painting as we worked this piece together. It is difficult to put into words how this relationship ultimately works, however I am humbled in the face of the power that moves through me as I push the paint around on the canvas. I am blessed to be part of something that is much bigger than myself!
I love that there is a certain rawness and unpolished quality to this piece which expresses both life’s imperfections literally and figuratively.
The Spirit wanted this painting to be both explosive and ethereal
to remind us that the assault on our natural systems remains mostly unchallenged and our natural world is paying the price. I am however encouraged that more and more people are paying attention as we become more aware of the negative impacts we are having on Mother Earth. Regrettably much more work is needed and the pace must be accelerated. Climate change is growing increasingly more violent. Notice that the impacts are far reaching now. Ultimately we will lose a lot in the end, people’s lives, homes…
Many of the beings found in nature are under immense pressure as our takeover of the Land marches on. We do this without any regard for the natural world and beings while destroying delicate yet critical wetlands and habitats.
Let me put it to you this way. Most of us are safe in our homes. Imagine how you would feel if you lost your home? Some people have and it's heart breaking to see. Imagine a world with no forests or woods to speak of, nothing left to support life and no place to go?
Should we not come to terms with all of this soon, we, all of us, our world will be lost!
I believe it is all of our duty and responsibility, no matter how small the gesture, to take whatever measures possible to save our natural world, all those beings, and ultimately ourselves.
Conclusion
What to do first can feel overwhelming. Let your inner child take over. Get out to the Land with your family and reconnect with Mother Earth. She will show you what She needs.
From there, grow your knowledge base and share the teachings you have learned with your children and others. We need those that are in charge onside to ensure we achieve the balance we need to survive and to live as one.
We need innovative approaches to restore balance, and the rest will flow from there. The end goal should be to preserve and protect for the future. Let us include in our future a healthy natural world for our children and for the future generations yet unborn. What changes can you make today to build a better world here on Mother Earth! We only have this one.
Learn the importances of trees for our survival! Plant a tree!
I wish to dedicate this work to my family, whom I love so much, supportive friends and all you artlovers!
Chi Miigwetch! Aho Creator!
