Hardpressed Print Studio
XL | Butterfly Tee with Alexis Blackbird | Orange | Unisex
XL | Butterfly Tee with Alexis Blackbird | Orange | Unisex
Unisex / XL
224 20th St. West
224 20th St. West
Saskatoon SK S7M 0W9
Canada
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The Butterfly orange shirt is presented in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) and an SIIT staff member & entrepreneur, Alexis Blackbird for Orange Shirt Day.
FROM THE ARTIST:
“My name is Alexis Blackbird, and I'm the digital artist and owner of Blackbird Beading. When I was 7 years old, I was introduced to painting by my grandma. Every day after school, she would sit with me and continue teaching me! That is where my love for art and creating started. I'm also a self-taught beader and have been creating beadwork for the past four years, mostly flat stitch. When I create, I always try to include elements that hold meaning and tell a story. I'm grateful to have been asked to collaborate with SIIT and Hardpressed on this piece. It's a piece that holds truth, heart and intention.
The book represents the real, lived experiences of those who attended residential and day schools. It's not just history, but it's the truth and something we need to keep talking about and remembering. Coming out of the book are butterflies, which to me symbolize healing, growth, and the path toward reconciliation. Surrounding the butterfly are floral motifs and Sage leaves that I typically add to each of my designs. Sage is one of our four sacred medicines, to me representing protection, healing, prayer and our spiritual connection. The Labrador tea plant is known for surviving in tough conditions, so to me this represents strength, adaptability, and the fact that even in the harshest of conditions, we can still grow. I've also included the Forget-me-not flower, a symbol of remembrance. It's a promise to never forget the children, families and communities that were and still are impacted. Hidden within the large butterfly wings is the profile of a child. This is a reminder of why remembering, educating, and learning about this truth is important. The strength of our children and youth keep us moving forward! That we heal not only for ourselves, but for the children. The stars within the large butterfly wings arched above the design represent our ancestors and loved one's watching over and guiding us. The Prairie Lily within the large butterflies wings is a nod to Saskatchewan prairies and the collaboration with Hardpressed. This design is my expression of what Every Child Matters means to me. That it's about truth, survival and honoring both the children and the survivors.”
100% of the proceeds from this design will be donated to Saskatoon Survivors Circle, PA Indian and Métis Friendship Centre, and Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services.
*With limited stock and 100% of proceeds from this item being donated, we are unable to honour our regular return policy. 30 days for exchange or in-store credit only, no refunds available. Limited stock may prevent availability of desired size for exchanges.
