The Traditional Knowledge and Medicine contest is part of FORED BC’s Aboriginal Heritage, Education & Dialogue program
Lynnea Holmstrom of Oliver has been creating art since she was a one-year-old.
Now at 12, the Indigenous artist from the Osoyoos Indian Band (Senpaq’cin School) has been recognized by the FORED BC Society.
She was one of four provincial winners in the society’s Traditional Knowledge and Medicine contest, which is part of FORED’s Aboriginal Heritage, Education & Dialogue (AHEAD) program.
“I was super surprised and I almost cried, because I knew it was going to be a hard competition,” she told the Kelowna Capital News.
Lynnea said her entry piece represents the four elements and Indigenous connection to nature and animals.
“I wanted to add elements like the plants you see around this area and the medicine wheel. I added a guide to represent a spirit guide.”
The butterfly wings acknowledge her Indian name (Butterfly), given to her by her aunt, signify the connection to her ancestors and the protection of water.
She also included the northern lights because as she explained “They were a big hit this year.”
Lynnea said that it took several months to create the piece.
“I had different ideas and different things I wanted to add that took some time to make.”
Asked why she feels the creative pull, the answer is simple.
“It’s fun and cool, and exciting to create many pieces. “I feel calm and less stressed,” she said.
Mom, Alanea Holmstrom, noted that her daughter’s creative spark is a force to be reckoned with.
“She used to make disasters all over the house and she would tell me ‘Mom, you don’t understand me I’m an artist I need to create.’”
Lynnea now has her own area at home to explore artistic expression.
“She has to draw or paint something every day,” Alanea said.” I let her create what she wants and we clean up the mess later.”
She is proud of what her daughter has accomplished.
“I’m amazed at the amount of dedication and time she spends on her work. She comes up with some pretty amazing pieces.”
Following the FORED recognition came news that Lynnea was accepted to attend the Emily Carr Jr. Arts Institute this summer.
“I’m looking forward to that,” she said.
Lynnea is not the only member of the family with talent.
Her older brother, 14-year-old Gus is an archer, who finished fifth overall at a recent North American Indigenous Games.
He, and Lynnea, are following in the footsteps of their father who was an archer and competed in provincial championships and BC Games.
“I encourage my kids to be as open as possible,” Alanea said. “I’m excited for everything that both of them are doing.”
Editor’s note – FORED BC is an independent, non-partisan charity that offers educational tools about the environmental, cultural and economic values of our forests and other natural resources.
