Portrait of a Photographer

Heather Diane Rule is one of many talented photographers on the Sunshine Coast.  Heather uses the laws of physics and aesthetics to create the impression that the view is looking through a mirror. She began her career in 2008 when she moved the Sunshine Coast from Ontario.  She is a purist at heart, using perspective and composition to express her emotions in her artwork as opposed to photo shopping a captured image.  Heather's philosophy about her work is inspired by the natural beauty of her home in Pender Harbour.  

Her photographs are framed in aged, recycled wooden frames, giving the observer the feeling that they are looking out a rustic cabin window.  

Heather Diane explored light and space in her “Reflections” collection.  She focuses on light reflecting on water.  Two of her pieces were chosen by jury to be included in a one month display in North Vancouver Cityscapes Art Space Gallery in 2009.

Art is a family affair for Heather Diane; her father, John Adams, pioneered the commercial art program at Humber College.

Heather Diane works to show her unique vision of and appreciation for the visual complexities that we often overlook in our everyday life.  Her keen eyes look for delicate patterns, her childlike wonder of the natural world is evident in the spiritual quality the photos have, each one capturing a separate emotion.

For more of her work check out: http://www.windowsphotoart.com and watch for her Windows Gallery Opening in the Fall of 2010.
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By Emily Walton

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Motoko's Fine Art Studio & Gallery

Motoko with some of her art

I set out on the long scenic drive to Garden Bay BC.  On a winding road past the farms and million dollar homes, rustic charm and poetic opulence intermingles with one another to create the perfect medley of charm and intimidation.  

As I approached Motoko's Gallery, the road hugged placid lakes with many a sun worshipper at the roadside, enjoying the sun and cool water.

I was apprehensive arriving alone at the internationally renowned artist, Motoko's, by invitation only reception for her new show.  

I know a few people on the coast but not many.  But my fears were quashed by the relaxed atmosphere and the friendly faces.  Refreshments included wine, sushi and many other goodies.  

I was helped to a glass of white by a warm hearted bartender and I trotted off to inspect the main event; Motoko's art!

There were many beautiful pieces but my favourite was 'Tempest', which sold the opening day.  It evoked a melancholy power swirling and whirling paint and raw grit from some unknown and no doubt revered location.

Motoko likes to incorporate textures into her work from the beach. She finds a source of inspiration in nature which is evident in her peaceful and mythical garden.  Her gallery is shouldered by a stunning rock garden which is nestled up against an epic rock wall.  I felt awe, joy and serenity throughout my stay at her gallery, the fantastical garden was mirrored in her work.  

Motoko's new phase is titled “The Soul of Emotion”.  She uses acrylics, and focuses on texture, large shapes and fields of colour and organic forms.  

I met Motoko, who is gracious and gregarious, her feet planted firmly on the ground she takes inspiration from. Her work and life is inspired by Japanese concepts of “jounetsu”, “yasuragi”, “iyashi”, and “kokoro”.  She wants to express tranquility, peacefulness, healing and joy with her artwork and the gallery experience.

After some browsing I got up the nerve to talk to some people and saw a few familiar faces.  Heather Rule and her husband were there; we chatted and explored the garden together.

My young friend met me half an hour before the show was over.  He came in all bravado and excitement on his sun kissed skin after his day on the water in Pender Harbour. I was delighted to see him and we tripped about the Gallery flashing smiles and positive energy inspired by the fabulous setting.  

Giddy on wine and one another's company we said goodbye to the mythical Motoko and set off towards Sechelt. It was a warm day and passing the lakes as we drove, our fingers linked on the center consol of my GMC Jimmy, we pulled into Catherine Lake for an impromptu swim.  The campground was full of long weekend vacationers but we brashly shed our fine clothes.  I kicked off my high heels and skirt and waded into the water in my skivvies.  

We frolicked and played about the lake.  Wrestling on the rafts. swimming, racing, joyous.  We donned our clothes afterwards and sat at the shore watching the turtles and cracking silly jokes.  
 
On the drive home we shared more intimate details of our lives together and it seemed like no time had passed before we arrived back in Sechelt. To the Lighthouse Pub and beyond to campfires in the night with guitars and friends, to fall asleep arms and legs intertwined on a deck couch at sunrise.

It was an amazing day, I have to say the positive energy Motoko puts forth into the world is infectious.

If you'd like to learn more about Motoko please check out her website: www.motokoart.com

Motoko's Original Art
4590 Sinclair Bay Road
Garden Bay B.C.
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by Emily Walton

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Cliff Gilker Park

Cliff Gilker Park is one of my favourite spots on the Sunshine Coast to walk my faithful, four-legged walking companion, Toby.  The colour coded trails wind and cross Clack and Roberts Creek. Verdant forest surrounds the well maintained trail systems and bridges.  

From the parking lot you will cross the soccer and baseball pitch which is surrounded by Red Cedar and Douglas fir trees. They greet the pensive pedestrian before the journey among the gentle giants.

I am pleased to report for all you canine lovers out there that Cliff Gilker provides doggie boggy bags. As well as running water 'WCs' for the two-legged traveler.

I've walked these trails in the wet winter season and the lush summer.  I can't say which I prefer.

In the winter the smell of wet cedar and dirt is decadent, as is the sumptuous, torrential rain which soaks to the bone.  The solitude of the rainforest in the wet season is one of my favourite ways to spend a Saturday.  There is nothing like a hot shower, dry clothes and a good book in front of the fire after a walk in Cliff Gilker Park, in the rain.

In the summer months the natural sunlight and azure blue sky through the stoic trees makes a peaceful getaway.  

Cliff Gilker is just south east of Robert's Creek on the main highway.
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by Emily Walton

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Grey Whale Sightings in Davis Bay

As many of you know there is at least one grey whale feeding around Davis Bay.  I have seen it myself on a few occasions from the beach in Davis Bay and in front of my own house just south of Davis Bay.

I've heard speculation that the whale is trying to beach itself or is having a calf close to shore.  I decided to ask my friend Christie MacMillan, a marine biologist, who works in Alert Bay, about the sightings.

Christie sent me a very informative link about grey whales and explained that they migrate from calving/breeding grounds in Baja California, Mexico to Alaska. Within the grey whale population there are a few hundred that don't make the full trip to Alaska and instead spend the summer feeding in BC close to shore.  These whales are known as the “Pacific Coast Feeding Aggregation”.

There are two distinct grey whale populations; the western grey whale, which is found off the coasts of Russia, Japan, Korea and China and the eastern grey whale, which can be found in the waters off the coast of BC in the summer.

The western whale population has been hunted almost to extinction and there are around one hundred animals left. The eastern population was whaled extensively the in the 19th and 20th centuries but the population has rebounded since regulations have been put into place to protect them.  The eastern whale population is much healthier now at around 18, 000 to 24,000 animals.

If you want to read more about grey whales and their status in Canada please check out this link: http://wildwhales.org/?page_id=41


My experience with the whale was peaceful, I felt privileged to see it.  I hope people on the Coast will remain as respectful of it's/their space as they have been in the past.  The presence of the whale in the community is just another natural treasure that coasters enjoy in their rich life, on the Sunshine Coast.
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by Emily Walton

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Smuggler's Cove Hike

My trusty companion, Toby

Smuggler's Cove: Tuesday June 8th   by Emily Walton

The sun was glimmering down on the sleepy town of Sechelt as Toby, my trusty and slobbery Yellow Lab/Great Dane cross, and I barreled through in search of the notorious Smuggler's Cove.  We drove fifteen minutes west through elegant seaside homes and gothic coastal forests.

Noticing the signage for Smuggler's Cove I moved into the left hand lane and prepared to turn onto the narrow winding road.  Thick coastal foliage breathes down on the road and Toby's anticipation grows as he sticks his head out the window and his jowls blow in the wind.  After five minutes on the road we turn left and park.  I scope out the outhouse and Toby sniffs the mossy ground. I notice the “Dogs must be Leashed” sign on the information board and put Toby on his leash, much to his chagrin.

We make our way through the fallen log archway and into the dense bush.  As the tranquil trilling of the birds' echoes through the marsh, I think about the Cove's sordid past.  Chinese immigrants were smuggled by William Kelly from Vancouver to the US after the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway, for one dollar and they hid in the Cove to escape arrest.  

As I strolled along the intermittent path and wooden boardwalk towards the Cove I indulged my fantasies and imagined pirates' remains lurking beneath the shallow still water.  A duck quacks, breaking through my reverie. I watch as the mother mallard and her duckling paddle peacefully through the lily-padded water.  

As we reach the ocean I notice that there are more outhouses available.  We head out to the route around the peninsula. I peer at the Cove, filled with small islands that block the Cove from view from the Pacific Ocean. I remember the stories about the Cove being used to hide alcohol during the Prohibition en route from stills on Texada Island to the US.  

I can see the snowcapped peaks in the distance, the stealthy crabs scuttle across the rock and sluggish starfish cling in the shallow water.  The silky gnarled arbutus trees crook and crave toward the sun along the rocky shore. I am thankful I am wearing my sturdy hiking boots as I navigate the rocky and rooty trail.

Give yourself two hours to do the hike.  It is the type of walk you want to savour.  Bring a packsack, a camera, water and a snack. Enjoy the Adventure!  

I think that a sunny morning would be the best time to do this hike.  OH, and bring poop bags if you have a dog... there aren't any provided at the trail head. (I learned that the hard way)
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by Emily Walton

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