Although the gallery doors are currently closed this incubator project continues.
Everywhere we turn there is water. The land and our lives flow with it.
WATER (re)SOURCE, is a collaborative repository that holds studies that reflect memory, perceptions, experiences, concerns and relationships with the water.
A REPOSITORY For WATER / a collective consideration of water through the use of multiple formats.
- multi-media work of local and more distant artists: Liz Carter, bobbi denton, Tom Elliott + Angela Somerset, Kim Holmes, Spencer Sheehan-Kalina, Bran Mackie, Gabrielle Moore, Renee Poisson, Sara Vipond, Claire Sanford, Project Watershed (Emily Carr student collaboration).
- water samples, stories, water-colour paintings and drawings created by numerous individuals and community collaborators
Collected water samples from various sites include one from Russia, sent to CVAG by Claire Sanford. Claire is originally from Texada Island and was residing in Siberia where she filled a vodka bottle with water from Lake Baikal, the largest freshwater lake by volume in the world. It’s considered the world’s oldest and deepest lake, reaching a maximum depth of 1,642m.
WATER CYCLES / presents the arts-based environmental research by Beachcomber Academy students and educators. Their research considers the implications of the cycles of tides and geological + aquarian eras of their school site.
Little Oysters Preschool – shoreline + salmon study
Dolphin Class – flora + fauna at sea level
Older Students – coastal flats to sub-alpine watershed.
Video slideshow: WATER CYCLES
DRAWING WATER / presents the arts-based explorations by Queneesh Elementary students + muralist Jason Craft. Students (K- Grade 6), educators, and artist Jason Craft, worked together to create the concept for the new mural in the welcome foyer of Queneesh Elementary. The imagery reflects the watery world that the Comox Valley is steeped in.
Christine VanderRee, principal, Queenesh Elementary School describes the project:
“Last spring, Queneesh Elementary PAC supported the replacement of the mural in the school’s two-story high foyer. Once we connected with Jason Craft, and saw examples of his incredible work, we began the mural making process. Jason spent time learning about our school culture and our Q compass, the symbol that represents of school’s values.
Over the summer, Jason painted our compass and the remaining walls were a blank canvas. He then began his design process.
In September, he met with each class, kindergarten to grade 7 to explain the mural process and to learn from them what makes Queneesh and the Comox Valley unique. Children and staff were then given an opportunity to provide input either through conversation or examples of art for him to consider. Over 400 drawings were collected and many of them are on display at the gallery. A small committee of students were tasked with sorting the contributions, and then picking out samples to share with Jason. Jason took these and included aspects of them into his final product. His plan was presented digitally for feedback. Students, parents and staff were consulted and adjustments to the plan were made.
When the school closed for Winter Break, Jason set up to work. With only one day off, he was ready for the return to school. He saved the final details of the octopus and otter for the first day back after break. The children were able to see him at work and he spoke with many of them. The children easily found their contributions included on the walls of our school with one exception, the jellyfish. To the delight of some of our youngest children, he returned the following day and added those as well. We are delighted beyond words with the results. We are so lucky to have Jason Craft in the Comox Valley, so willing to work and inspire our kids and to draw inspiration from our school and broader community. ”
Drawing Water comprises 300 works by students that Jason responded to as the foundation for the mural.
“The Mural at Queneesh Elementary was a very special project for me, as well as the school community. All students at the school were asked to do a drawing for the mural, based on the school’s unique identity and local environment. Some of which were then used to create the final design. I painted the mural over the winter break, which made it exciting for the students to come back to. I have been painting murals professionally for 15 years and generally use a similar process to involve students. It thrills me to see young people get excited about art. I believe involving young people in art cultivates patience, perseverance and problem solving. Doing art is also very beneficial for their self-worth and gives them a sense of accomplishment and ownership.The students at Queneesh were exceptionally creative and enthusiastic, which culminated in a very successful piece of art.” – Jason Craft
Video slideshow: DRAWING WATER
Water(re)Source Facebook album
image: Alun Macanulty