“Medicine Rising” this one of a kind ceramic, maple, rawhide, goldleaf, and copper sculpture is a sequel to my sculpture “The Bird People”. I have a great deal of respect for the MMIW and the way they have used a symbol, the red handprint, to bring a great deal of awareness to a very serious and difficult problem in a peaceful yet poignant way. East symbolizes rebirth and renewal. The goldleaf handprint represents the hope that she sees as well as the progress that has been made thus far. The rawhide medicine wheel, and its colors rising up the maple, represent the many people, personalities, and strengths of those who joined together pulling from the aspects of the wheel that they are born with. All great causes are able to galvanize people from all political, racial, cultural, and social walks. Think more about what you would lay your life down peacefully for rather than what you would raise a saber for, and we will all be better for it.