Coming Full Circle with “The Spirit of My People”

I am not sure when I became interested in Gerry Squires’ work. Maybe it was while attending a wedding at Mary Queen of the World Church and seeing his disturbing and beautiful Stations of the Cross murals on the walls. Maybe it was on one of my frequent visits to The Rooms. I know nothing about art but am amazed by people’s ability to create through drawing and painting.

The Daily Post’s word prompt for yesterday was ‘circle’ and I hadn’t intended on posting but after viewing two films at Beothuk Interpretation Centre last night, I decided to write a post.

Since moving back to the northeast coast of Newfoundland, I have visited the Beothuk Interpretation Centre several times. When I first walked the trail and came upon Shanawdithit it was powerful. I suggest that if you do walk this trail that you walk it by yourself or with someone who is respectful of silence and spirituality.

Shanawithit

The film Who will sing for me? by Roger Bill tells the story behind the creating of the sculpture. Mr. Bill wondered if, after seeing how the sculpture was created, it might lose some of its mystique. For me, and I think the audience in general, learning of Mr. Squires’ vision, his hours, months and years of work and his participation in bringing Shanawdithit to her resting place only added to my wonder and awe. Learning that the precise location was orchestrated by Mr. Squires, only made me appreciate it more.

The second film I heard the birch tree whisper in the night by Kenneth J. Harvey focuses on Mr. Squires life and his discovery that he was dying (he died in 2015). Informative, sad and moving.

Thank you to the staff of the Beothuk Interpretation Centre for helping me come full circle with Shanawdithit.