here I lie (2024 - 2025)
Cotton fabric solar-dyed with lily-of-the-valley, cotton thread, recycled tin bells and wooden dowels. 162 cm x 121 cm x 121 cm
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Precarious are the words I use to speak of you, precious as they exit my mouth in a tangled form. They ferry an illusion of my body laying perfectly between your sweet-scented blades, so seamless in that hidden expanse of green that our breath and shadow became one. How you soothed me fully, I’ll never know.
At sundown, I awoke to a caress on my neck and forehead as your roots carried me. Your sap dripped like a maiden’s tears, blessing my cold clammy skin. Did you know that I was slipping between worlds? Winds whispered pretty tales of epic battles, dragons and saints, and a bride on her wedding day with dilated pupils. You already knew these stories, for you were there for all of them.
You placed me upon my knees in front of your altar, a gilded vessel marked its place in the red soil. And you said you’re afraid of me leaving. And you said that with one sip, I’d be free. And I promised you that it wasn’t our time yet as I tipped over your offering of golden water. That darling, I’ll come back if you let me.
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This work was supported through the funding by the Ontario Art Council's Visual Artist Creation Grant. Documentation photographs of the work were taken by LF documentation.
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