Deluge and Downpour!!!

The Illuminaires Festival in Vancouver was nearly rained out by the sounds of it. People who were brave enough to attend in the monsoon that occured were rewarded by the sight of the Ascaphus Truei eggs collapsing. They became completely water logged according to observers and slumped under the weight of the water.

The poor organizers had to deal with the potential of fire because of the extremely dry weather in Vancouver and had prepared themselves. The fire marshall showed up and told the organizers they might have to avoid all of the electronics, fireworks and candles. The weatherman provided a great forecast and the weather decided to do it's own show. Thunder, lightening and a downpour like no one has seen in a long time.

The salmon eggs and the dark constellations survived the downpour but were only seen by a few people because most left the grounds after braving the deluge. I am waiting for pictures to be sent along. Soggy steamy pictures!!!

Planning for events is such a challenging process if they are outside. One never knows what the elements will bring.

This weekend the Wells Festival starts and Hilary and I will be giving Extreme textile workshops at the St. George's Church. Out in the grounds if the weather cooperates.
We can crowd into the church if it doesn't.

Lost it and Lanterns

The Ascaphus Truei lanterns will be installed for the Illuminaires Festival of Lights this weekend at Trout Lake in Vancouver. the crew has pulled together my designs and has
now conquered the problem of lighting the things. They pulse and glow!

I can only wait for images of them now! I am so grateful for all the help people gave to help build them.

I am nearly chewed to death by Northern bugs. Bugs in clouds like shirts or socks. Masses and masses of bugs. I love it here and will have a hard time leaving this beautiful place and my beautiful new friends. Only about six weeks left until I return to Vancouver

Installation Gallery

Having the Good Eats Gallery open in the evening has done what I hoped it would do. It has inspired meaningful conversations about the shows. Tina Ozols show Accumulations has brought in the best kind of conversation regarding the snapshots of her inheritance.

It seems that people want to talk about all the stuff they own or don't own. Most people are embarrassed by stuff and are flumoxed about what to do with the extras they own.

Every night another group of people come to talk about stuff, crap and accumulations. Some people are visibly upset and some are very self enlightened about why they have so much stuff.

I think this is my favourite show to date.

Accumulations

Last night I picked up Tina Ozols incredible photographs depicting her grandfather's accumulated treasures and belongings. They will be featured in the new show at the Good Eats Gallery.

Falling into the photographs was so soothing last night. I have been flying around for days and hadn't even really had a sit by myself to just be. Tina has taken the photos in a most recognizable and comfortable way. Each photo is composed to capture both light and object in a quiet way. Each object somehow recognizable and common but so poignant.

I can't wait until they are all in place.

In the meantime I dismantle and mantle all over again.