Artist: Lorne Julien
Artwork title: Water is Sacred
Year: 2025
Dimensions: 94’W x 8’H
Medium: Painted mural
Location: Granville Park, corner of Hollis St and Reconciliation Way
This mural is presented in partnership with Halifax Mural Festival
About the Artist
Lorne Alexander Julien is a proud Mi’kmaw artist and member of Millbrook First Nation, We’kopekitk, Nova Scotia. He specializes in contemporary Indigenous acrylic paintings and murals. His Mi’kmaw name is “Warrior on the Hill” (Sma’knis) which was given to him in his youth when he learned about the spiritual way of his people
He is a self-taught artist, beginning as a young child. He specializes in rich vibrant colours and believes simplicity is beautiful. Lorne wants to share his artwork, lifting people’s spirits, with ideas taken from his visions and dreams.
Lorne creates murals in schools, institutions and public spaces to support the creation of safe spaces that are inclusive, respectful and honour Canada’s Indigenous people. He believes that incorporating Indigenous art in public spaces is a simple act of reconciliation and moving forward in a spirit of mutual respect and understanding.
His artwork is a form of prayer, it provides healing for himself and he would like to bring healing to the world. His intention is to inspire hope and balance within the universe. www.lornejulien.com
About the Artwork
The mural is painted to honour the water (Samqwan). Water is everywhere. The oceans, the rivers, our drinking water, water inside of us, inside of all creatures. Water is life and it must be held sacred and protected. The image in the middle shows a purple eagle, symbolizing love and joy and water. The eagle (kitpu ) stands for respect and protection. On either side are eagles in the scared colours of the four directions, the colours of the medicine wheel. All the eagles are holding an orange heart, to remember the victims of residential schools, the families and communities that are still affected. The eagle is also a sacred animal, one that carries prayers to the creator. A prayer for healing and protection of the water and all human beings.
Location
Granville Park, corner of Hollis St and Reconciliation Way