P’twewi (Be’de’wey) “Tea” 2019
Red Rose Tea, Medical tape
Comfort manifests in
diverse forms—emerging from the earth's embrace, the tender caress of
touch, the reassuring weight of presence, the evocative fragrance that
lingers, and the rich dialogue exchanged over tea with our cherished
elders, ancestral spirits, and beloved companions.
Within the Artwork "P'twewi," an embodiment of comfort is
hand-stitched together. This intricate blanket is meticulously crafted
from the essence of Red Rose Tea, a beverage frequently savoured by
Indigenous communities in the Maritimes of Canada. This particular
variant of black tea carries with it a tradition where women gather
around a table. Within this intimate setting, the profound tapestry of
my grandmother's, great-grandmother's, aunts', and sisters' lives
unfolds—a space where conversations of immense significance, challenges,
and heartfelt labour transpire.
Amidst these dialogues, a transformative power is discovered—an avenue of healing, enlightenment, and perspective,
all cocooned within the soothing refuge of tea. "P'twewi" not only
encapsulates the essence of this cherished ritual but also preserves the
legacy of shared wisdom and interconnectedness, echoing the comforting
embrace that envelops us during these poignant moments of communion.