Amidst a backdrop of chaotic and ashen brushwork, hands gently support a radiant sprig of Castilleja – also commonly called “indian paintbrush” or “prairie fire.” Castilleja has highly adaptable roots; they can form taproots to seek pockets of water deep under the dry topsoil, rhizomes to self-propagate, and eve share energy with other plants’ root systems. Energy from the roots ascends to manifest blazing brushes in red and gold, illuminating the surrounding cold.

This painting is a meditation on hope. “Waníyetu wókechiye,” in Dakhotiapi (Dakota language) roughly translates to “Winter Prayer.” In times of cold and dark, we must actively remember or inner fire of goodness, the spark of inspiration/creation, which we so often lose in the daily roil of news and rupture in our unraveling human world. We each have different ways of connecting with our source of light – through movement, meditation, making, singing, helping, organizing, building, or through ceremony/spirituality. When we share the gifts we are given, we repair the rupture, and we can manifest a vision of beloved community, a just future for all beings, for the next seven generations. We can bring love and healing into brokenness.