The inspiration behind Walking Sticks is my desire to capture the experiences and interactions we have with wood.

This story begins where the hand meets the wood; the smooth, worn part of the stick represents our connection to nature and the experiences we have had. A walking stick symbolizes the human spirit, allowing us to persevere and encouraging us to seek knowledge and adventure. Walking sticks hold the stories of their owners, and often reflect their unique personalities.

The oversized, hand carved walking sticks on the entry doors to VanDusen Gardens are made from English yew, an understory tree that is constantly searching for light. The dense, hard wood and swirling grain pattern makes it the perfect choice for the door handles, as yew reflects our resilience as well as our desire to explore.