The Forest Eco-System
May’ My name is Marisa Law, the illustrator of the ANHBC Strategic Transformation Forest Ecosystem. I am 22 and an urban Indigenous (Upper Smelqmix/Upper Similkameen) / Settler youth artist residing on Coast Salish Territory.
Since a young age, I have always taken interest in art and creation in various forms. Today, I am a part-time artist selling my work online and at markets, facilitating workshops and working on larger art projects. Much of my artwork is a reflection of my culture and my growth mentally and spiritually. Growing up away from my community, I found deep connections and lifelong friendships through neighborhood houses.
I was in various programs growing up at Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House such as their OOSC/XPlorer and Indigenous Family Night. This past year I have been working at both Cedar Cottage NH and Little Mountain NH as a casual child care worker. Last year I joined the Make It! Program from Frog Hollow NH where I have been learning to create art without boundaries, work on murals and find connections to our mental health and wellbeing through our art. I am so grateful for my time spent in and around Neighbourhood Houses, they are the backbone of our communities.
This illustration has deep meaning to me as someone who lives on a land rich with nature and history. I believe that we are one with another, we must take great care of our land and our kin. I visited Cultus Lake and Cates Park and observed the animals and native plants, tasted their fruits, and gathered inspiration for the illustration.
When it came time to create the painting, I knew I wanted to showcase those interconnections. I used a sand-textured medium to give life to the earth and roots, just as the ground below our feet gives life to all. I used glass beads for the berries to accentuate the vibrance and the excitement that comes with foraging. I believe that my execution of this painting captured the ecosystems of our forests beautifully and shows we are all one.
The process and involvement in the creation of the visual Forest Ecosystem has made me feel very empowered in my artwork. It’s helped me build amazing friendships and has connected me even deeper with my community.
Marisa's powerful Forest Ecosystem can be seen embedded throughout the ANHBC Strategic Transformation Framework. Check-out Marisa's artwork and projects here!
