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“Whoa, these reserve roads…!” I laughed as we rattled along in the car.

 

She smiled and softly said, “driving on gravel roads makes me feel home.”

 

Conversation with Paulina Johnson

From Samson Cree Nation

 

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The collection consists of concrete tiles. Each tile begins with a sharp line on one edge and transitions into the imprint of gravel. In order for the tile to function, gravel must be filled in the negative space to create a flush surface.

 

 

There is a moment when crossing the indistinct border of a reserve, that you realize something has changed, the highway has given way to a much more rugged and attention seizing gravel road. Immediately your awareness is on the path ahead and you become completely engaged with your current surroundings. These gravel roads act as a signal of the shift from one domain to another. Often seen as a negative aspect to reserve life, these gravel roads on the contrary are seen by those who frequent them, as a symbol of home and familiarity.

"DRIVING ON GRAVEL ROADS MAKES ME FEEL HOME."