Mothering the Mother of God

Saint Anne and the Young Mary

I began this painting on the day of Saint Anne Sunday, a day celebrated by the Mi’kmaq people here on Epekwitk, where I live and work. Saint Anne is their patron saint—and as I painted, I felt her presence rise through the land and into my brush. She was also dear to my Grandmother who travelled to Montreal on a pilgrimage to the Sainte Anne Basillica.

In this piece, I wanted to show Saint Anne not as a distant icon, but as a real woman—a mother watching over her daughter with both tenderness and quiet concern. One hand rests protectively on Mary’s shoulder, the other cradles her small hand. They’re surrounded by lilies, and both wear halos, simple and gold.

This is a painting about lineage and care. About the ones who hold space for those on the edge of something great. It’s also about the sacred grandmother energy—human, holy, and ever-present. Saint Anne holding the child Mary is a reminder that even those with immense destinies need someone to simply hold their hand.

12"x36"
2025