Blessing and Welcome by: Mus-wiya (Jamie Dixon) - shishalh elder
Jamie will bless and welcome us all to the Clack Creek Forest situated on unceded shishalh lands thereby opening the Living Forest Institute 2019 Summer Program.
Facilitator: Marleen Vermeulen
DESCRIPTION
I would love to guide you in ‘feeling’ the forest in the stillness. Through sketching the textures in the bark and details on the forest floor, you’ll feel more present to what is. Looking with a specific focus, it will make you see what might otherwise go unnoticed. By the end of the afternoon, I guarantee you won’t be a spectator to looking at the beauty, but you’ll rather be one with your subject. You will have a different relationship with what you sketch and will ‘feel' the connection.
All ages welcome with children 15 years and under accompanied by an adult.
ARTIST BIO
The beauty of the forest contains a narrative. I listen and I am heard. It is a starting point of my conversation with our forest as I experience it. I appreciate the raw, unorganized chaos found in that space…the renewal, the growth, the energy.
My intention as an artist is to capture that beauty, the expanse, the moment and the feeling the landscape shares with me, so I can share that experience with others. On my large canvasses, I translate this intent, creating space, light and textures with my paint. Painting for me is on one hand like a merger with spirit; on the other, there is this awareness of shaping the image. I am currently represented by the Kurbatoff Gallery in Vancouver.
What to bring
Water, power snacks, sturdy footwear, a sketchpad no smaller than letter size, plus some drawing utensils, pencils and/or charcoal. We will be sitting so if you’re not comfortable on a log or the forest floor, please bring a chair or a cushion.
OTHER
Program runs rain or shine
Suggested donation on location is $10 per adult, per program. Your generosity is greatly appreciated, and goes directly to building the Living Forest Institute. No one is turned away.
No washrooms and no cell phone (GPS) service on location
Dress in layers as it is cool in the forest
No smoking and no dogs allowed
Take only photographs and leave only footprints