“Thirteen” is a narrative and allegory inspired by my daughter who was thirteen at the time I took the photo which inspired this piece. The story is archetypal in that the viewer can connect to that last summer before everything shifts and you can never return. Life is different, your body, your friends, your everything has transitioned into adolescence leaving childhood behind.

My daughter stands stretching in the summer sun. She stands, with arms outstretched, with courage, confidence and joy, symbolizing her readiness to take on the world and enthusiasm to embrace the opportunities which will appear. She is on the brink of adolescence, the next chapter. Wind blows through the trees reflecting that this moment is fleeting; her expanded, foreshortened arms read as a wingspan as she holds a flowing HBC towel that symbolizes three aspects. It blows almost taking the appearance of wings or a cape to support her as she embraces future opportunities. It is an iconic symbol representing her young, beautiful country. However, it also symbolizes the problematic history she, as youth, inherit from its role in colonialism, exploitation of Indigenous land and disruption in their way of life. The questions of how this wound will be resolved, remedied and cared for is one of many situations our youth will take on. Her vulnerability and radiance shines through her expression and posture. She radiates connection to nature and the beauty of her environment. She has a firm foundation and she stands on the weathered wood dock built by her family. The water to her right is active and sparkling, representing the excitement and emotions of this season of life. She has skills and options. The ladder represents a way in and out. She can go out into the world but will always have a safe home to return to. The boat and the rope symbolize she has been provided for, she has the means to explore and accomplish her goals. Her bathing suit is sky blue connecting her to the “sky is the limit” mindset with electric pink, orange vertical stripes. The clouds have cleared. Her energy radiates almost visible around her. The crumpled towel to her left represents the struggles she has already overcome at her young age. And finally, her dog sits at her feet. A loyal friend and companion. She will enjoy the beauty of companionship as she moves forward. typal in that the viewer can connect to that last summer before everything shifts and you can never return. Life is different, your body, your friends, your everything has transitioned into adolescence leaving childhood behind.