“Swiya Tew - Land of the Heart”

36”x24” acrylic on canvas, 2025

This painting is dedicated to Heartwood Cove, a living art project, retreat centre, and wilderness sanctuary created by Autumn Skye & Neo Alexander.

Heartwood Cove is the next evolution of Heartwood Retreats. The new location is a breathtaking, off-grid sanctuary on a boat-accessible island off the Sunshine Coast, British Columbia. Surrounded by ancient temperate rainforest and the biodiverse waters of the Pacific Ocean, it is a living incubator: a place to reconnect with nature, build community, heal and grow, spark creativity, and model sustainable living for generations to come.

“Swiya Tew” is a shíshálh phrase from the Sechelt Nation, who have been the stewards of these lands and waters since time immemorial. This phrase expresses heartfelt gratitude, and refers to a safe harbour, the goodness of the land, and a loving return home.