Artist’s Statement

Illustrated in this painting is a blooming cactus plant, yellow ginkgo and translucent bamboo leaves, as well as orange and black koi fish. All of this is depicted against a blue background with dark lines swirling throughout. Transformations in relation to healing are represented in all these elements. The soft flowers blooming out of the spikey cactus plant represents the beauty and resilience which emerges when healing takes place. The falling ginkgo and bamboo leaves alludes to the creation of space for new beginnings. The swirling blue background, which can be interpreted as water or sky, represents the fluidity of transformations that may not often be apparent. Contrasted against this are koi fish that are swimming/flying in the background. They are a representation of chaos despite typically symbolizing harmony and prosperity— just as how healing may be thought of as a calm and gentle process, engaging in this work will more often be unpredictable and turbulent.

About the Artist

Beverly grew up on the unceded and shared homelands of the xʷməθkʷəyəm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples. She enjoys painting as a way to explore the teachings and stories of her Cantonese ancestors.