Prayer Flags for UBC Farm: Michelle Weeks

(These flags are hung in the the trees to the east of the Heritage Orchard.)

Prayer Flags by Michelle Weeks

Biography:
Michelle Weeks is an Art Therapist at GF Strong Rehab Centre. Although she strives to divide her time equally between work and family, she finds her life "consumed" with the raising and nurturing of her young son. She studied Textile design in the late 80's and now mostly works in mixed media when she has time. Michelle loves to work on projects that have nothing to do with making money but is always happy if they can help to raise funds for important causes.


Curator's Notes:
Some of the fabric these flags were made from was given to Weeks by a dear friend of the artist, a woman who shares an affinity for the image of clothes drying in the wind on a clothesline. Other pieces of cloth, the stitched images of the bee and the rabbit, and from past projects by Weeks. Finally, there are also remnants of vintage embroidered napkins and tablecloths from a time when the rituals and presentation around food was respected and revered.

The black crosses are symbols of an ominous presence--the threat of losing UBC farm to development, and the red cross is a symbol of safety and assistance. There is a tension here, between the beautiful remnants of the past and the anticipation of the future of farming and the safety of food itself. We are reminded that prayer starts with intention and choice. Prayer is political--a remembrance of things past that informs the choices we make for the future.

Copywright 2008, Michelle Weeks