This is a video about how Stephanie Rayner’s massive, mystical installation piece, titled “Boat of Eternal Return,” ended up as an exhibit at the large commercial gallery space in Cove Street Arts in Portland, Maine. Also, this video describes the materials and how the boat was constructed.

Stephanie wanted to create something that signified a journey, not just a physical journey but a spiritual one, passing between the living world and the dead. She wanted to use raw, natural materials, including 13 sets of moose ribs.

This amazing sculpture took 14 years to complete.

I became involved when I first saw a large picture of The Boat, and, later when Stephanie asks if I would keep my promise to help get it from Toronto to Portland, Maine.

Links for further information
a. Link to the article about the boat in the Portland Press Herald: https://www.pressherald.com/2022/10/3...
b. Link to the interview conducted by Dr. Rosen of the artist: https://fb.watch/gT8mt2g62S/ Start at minute 44:21 to get to the start of the interview.
c. Exile Quarterly Magazine article (EQL 364) in which Stephanie Rayner speaks about her 14 year effort to create the Boat:    • Stephanie Rayner in ELQ 364  

Videography by Marielle L Vander Schaaf