Nomad Collection- Uplift

In early February 2024 I suddenly lost my soul dog, Oden. He went from rolling around in the snow that evening to suddenly dying of undiagnosed heart cancer late that night. Not everyone has had the privilege of experiencing such a deep connection with a dog although my hope is that everyone does at some point in their lives. If you are one of the lucky ones you may know first hand just how earth shattering the loss of your soul dog is. Especially when it’s tragic or sudden, it’s like a part of you dies with them. 
Now that we got the dark sh*t out of the way let’s talk about the inspiration behind this piece and why it’s been given the name “Uplift”. 
Shortly after we lost Oden our family went out on our usual weekend trip to Banff, a place Oden absolutely loved and spent many many days exploring along with us. On the drive out as we approached the mountains the sun was beaming down through the clouds as if he were shining down on us letting us know he was still around. Seeing this I felt lighter, as if his spirit was lifting me up out of my deep sadness for just a moment. 
Later that day as the sun was setting we set up a fire where we were visited by countless chickadees, I’ve never had so many so close in my life! We had many animal encounters that day; a pack of coyotes and a herd of elk joined us around our site later that night once the sun set. 
This piece represents those moments of light I experienced in a time of darkness. I hope that when Uplift finds its forever home it does just that for its new owner, uplifts them. I hope that it serves as a reminder to you that sadness and happiness can co exist and that the soul(s) you are missing are still with you. Spend a little time out in nature and they will be sure to remind you of that. 
This piece is made out of reclaimed cedar and a touch of reclaimed pine within the sun beams. The wood was originally fence boards, deck boards, panelling, a sauna and a 114 year old homestead. All destined for the landfill or fire pit now given new life as meaningful art.