When Heidi McKenzie first saw the photo of her great-great-grandmother Roonia, it unlocked something in her imagination. The Toronto-based ceramic and installation artist was immediately drawn to the strength and wisdom that radiated from her ancestor's face. "When you look at her, wow," says McKenzie, "it's like she's looking right through to your soul."
Mckenzie's encounter with the photo marked the beginning of a creative journey that would take her deep into her family's history and heritage. As she delved deeper into the stories and legends of her ancestors, she found herself inspired to create a new body of work that would honor their memory and celebrate their legacy.
Through her art, McKenzie aimed to capture the essence of her great-great-grandmother's spirit and the experiences that had shaped her life. She spent countless hours researching and learning about the history and traditions of her family, from the stories of their migrations and struggles to the myths and legends that had been passed down through generations.
As she worked on her project, McKenzie found herself becoming increasingly fascinated by the ways in which the past continues to shape our present. She realized that the experiences and traditions of our ancestors are an integral part of who we are today, and that by exploring and honoring our heritage, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.
Mckenzie's artistic process was deeply personal and intuitive, as she allowed herself to be guided by her emotions and instincts. She worked with a range of materials, from clay and ceramics to textiles and found objects, to create a series of intricate and nuanced pieces that reflected the complexity and richness of her family's history.
The result was a stunning collection of artworks that not only paid tribute to McKenzie's great-great-grandmother but also explored the universal themes of identity, culture, and belonging. Through her art, McKenzie was able to connect with her own heritage in a way that felt authentic and meaningful, and to share that connection with others.
For McKenzie, the experience of creating this body of work was transformative, as it allowed her to tap into a deep sense of connection and purpose. As she looked at the photo of her great-great-grandmother, she felt a sense of pride and gratitude for the strong and resilient women who had come before her, and a sense of responsibility to carry on their legacy.
As her project evolved, McKenzie began to see the world in a new light, as a complex and interconnected web of stories and experiences that stretch across time and space. She realized that we are all part of a larger narrative, one that is shaped by the lives and experiences of our ancestors, and that by honoring and celebrating our heritage, we can create a more compassionate and inclusive world.