THE DESIGN
The Espaniel Project is an ever-evolving generational art story centered around our family. Through beadwork, storytelling, photography, and art, we aim to keep their spirits alive. Our inspiration came from the hundreds of photos captured by our great-grandfather, Jimmy Espaniel. We hope this project sparks curiosity about the stories and legacies within your own family.
COLOUR STORY
In memory of Kenneth Espaniel (1927–1947)
Diagnosed with tuberculosis at 16, he spent the final four years of his life in the sanatorium at Haileybury, far from his home in Biscotasing. It’s unclear whether he ever left the Spanish River region before then — a place surrounded by forest, where his early days would have been spent canoeing, exploring, and helping with family chores. That sudden distance, especially at such a young age, must have been deeply painful.
During his time at the san, Kenny created and kept beautiful, detailed photo albums. They became his way of staying connected to home. On the backs of the photographs, we see his mother’s handwriting — stories, updates, and love written as small notes.
We didn’t even know the albums existed until our relative passed in 2018. When we found them, it felt like opening a portal — each photo a window into the past, into the spirits of our family. They inspired this archive project. Sometimes we wonder if the connection we felt was because of the energy Kenny poured into them — the time and intention he must’ve spent staring at these same images. What a gift, to be held across generations like that.
Kenny died just after his 20th birthday. He never came home in life — only in spirit, and in these albums. His story also sits within a broader history: by the early 1900s, tuberculosis — then called “consumption” — had killed one in seven people on Earth. Kenny was one of seven siblings. He became the one. In Canada, TB was weaponized by colonial systems. The sick were blamed and isolated. Propaganda taught families that illness came from poor hygiene, even while care was denied. Kenny’s life was not only lost to illness, but to the systems that failed him.
This piece is our offering back — to Kenny, and to the memory he left with us. Each order includes a handcrafted pair of earrings, a 5x7 archival art print, and a story card. With permission from our grandmother, this release also includes recorded voice — her memories of Kenny and his passing, shared so that his story may live on, carried in bead, in voice, and in heart.
PRODUCT DETAILS
- Handmade
- Original Commanda Collective design
- .925 sterling silver findings and wire protectors
- Glass beads (Including green bugles from our great grandmothers collection)
- Hangs approx. 3.5 inches from ear
ART PRINT
Included in your earring purchase is an art print designed by artist Chris Chipak (@inchipakwetrust). The print is 5x7 inches.
MADE-TO-ORDER NOTE
This is a made-to-order peice of beadwork. Your item will ship approximately 1-3 weeks. If you have a special request on timing, please indicate this in your order notes. We cannot guarentee, but will reach out directly to discuss. Note that each pair of earrings may slightly vary from the images.
