We Continue to Thrive Despite it all

title by: Salem Paige

June 2023

This piece is about the perception and treatment of the queer community in relation to plants we refer to as 'weeds'. The language surrounding the existence of 'weeds' promotes harmful ideologies, insinuating we can control and displace other living entities. "We Continue to Thrive Despite it all" is a sculpture presenting plants considered to be weeds (Lamb's Quarters and Arrow-leaved Balsamroot) from Treaty 6 territory (Edmonton) and  Dandelion, and Broad-leaved plantain from Anishinabe Algonquin territory (Ottawa). The soft curved wood bases demonstrate the cyclical symbiotic relationship we can have with each other and nature. 

"We Continue to Thrive Despite it all" words by: Salem Paige