One woman is healing her heart and the earth by using recycled material to create amazing works of art.
Moneca Sinclaire is an Academic Researcher at the University of Manitoba. In her spare time, she creates works of art from mostly recycled material.
"Most of the work I do, if I'm displaying artwork I do outdoor interactive installation art. It's art people can touch and be a part of."
One project of hers the public may recall is during the Winnipeg Folk Fest when she 'yarn-bombed' 40 trees.
In her art, Sinclaire says, "I've used two-litre bottles, bottle caps, yarn, old political signs from corrugated plastic board," to name just a few of the items she recycles.
Some of the projects are in Sinclaire's front yard, made from old bicycle wheels, rebar, and recycled pieces.
"I started doing art because of my grandma. She was a firm believer in not throwing things out if you didn't have to. She never threw away candy-bar wrappers so instead, she'd make garlands out of them or little flowers."
From Northern Manitoba, at the age of eight, Sinclaire started to copy her grandma.
"I'm Cree, Nehinan, so part of my journey is healing myself and art is one way I healed myself. As I make and do it, I think about everything my family is going through, my relatives."
Sinclaire's grandma was a residential school survivor.
"I initially did it for me, for my healing journey. It was only 15 years ago that I started being more public about it."
Sinclaire believes art should be accessible for everyone, which is why many of her pieces are in her front yard for the neighbourhood to enjoy.
"It's been a real joy watching people come by and comment on it, especially the kids. There's this one little boy who comes by our house all the time and says 'Dad I want to look at the lollipops,' that's what he calls the windmills. I feel joyful and happy when I see that happening."
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