World Water Day – Film Screening & Conversation
Did you know that British Columbia is named after the Columbia River which used to be one of the world’s largest salmon bearing rivers in the world?
In honour of World Water Day, Changing Course: A River’s Journey of Reconnection, a film I co-produced and narrated on the Columbia River, premieres March 21, 2024 at the University of Victoria, in partnership with the Creatively United for the Planet Society, the POLIS Water Sustainability Project and the Centre for Global Studies.
Admission to the world premiere of this 60-minute documentary is free and includes conversations with very special guests: Greg Utzig (Conservation Ecologist & Technical Advisor, Upper Columbia Basin Environmental Collaborative), Larry George (Director of Lulumexun (Lands & Self-Governance, Cowichan Tribes), and Katrina Adams (Senior Aquatic Biologist, Peninsula Streams & Shorelines).
Changing Course: A River’s Journey of Reconnection will be available after March 21st to freely view on Creatively United’s YouTube channel. For details of this March 21st event, please visit the homepage of CreativelyUnited.org.
METAMORPHOSIS: A HEALING JOURNEY – Theatrical Performance and Premiere Book Launch
I love creative collaborations. As the producer of numerous Earth Day festivals and a Climate and the Arts video series, I have met some incredible people with amazing stories to tell. Prior to starting my own multi-media business, I worked for the Times-Colonist daily newspaper for more than 15 years. The combination of my life experience brought me to a place where I was naturally drawn to wanting to share some of these stories in a visually expressive way.
This vision has turned into a live stage production and art book that will premiere April 27+28, 2024 called Metamorphosis: A Healing Journey, a multi-dimensional experience that features the cathartic stories of real people, many of them artists (including myself), whose relationship with nature changed after a life changing event. Live music, stunning visual imagery, poetry, the Victoria Philharmonic Choir and Raino Dance are part of this unique production focused on the inter-relatedness of personal and planetary health.
To learn more and purchase tickets, please visit the homepage of CreativelyUnited.org. I hope you will come out in support of the incredible cast and crew.
Scrivener Cover
I had the great pleasure to photograph Sara Neely for The Scrivener magazine’s Fall 2023 cover.
Sara is Director of Philanthropic services with the Victoria Foundation, Canada’s second oldest community foundation. Born and raised in Victoria, BC, Sara has her finger on the pulse of community giving and is a wealth of knowledge about charitable giving and local organizations.
TEDx Surrey – A Shift in Thinking
Ever since I first witnessed speaker after speaker deliver flawless TEDx Talk after talk, I automatically assumed that they must have had a teleprompter or some clever way to access their talk without it appearing obvious. How wrong I was!
I was amazed when I learned that TEDx presenters must know and feel what they want to say so intimately that they can walk out onto a stage without a podium, notes or visual aids and engage an audience in a humbling way with conviction for 10 or more minutes.
Unlike actors who can hide behind a character, TEDx presenters share from their experience and personal stories. As someone who just delivered their first live TEDx Talk on February 19th, 2022, I can attest to feeling exposed. I’m someone who is generally found behind cameras, not in front of them. No wonder public speaking is considered to be the number one fear of most people. Myself included.
Despite being mistaken for an extrovert, I’m actually an extroverted introvert and prefer to be behind the scenes. So, when I was asked if I would consider applying as a TEDx speaker it wasn’t on my To Do list…until, I was encouraged by others who helped me realize that perhaps this could really help raise awareness of the fabulous community, positive solutions and events to be found on the free non-profit sharing hub I represent at CreativelyUnited.org
I learned so much in the process of applying and consequently being chosen as a speaker, writing and rewriting my script, and having to memorize every word of my 14-minute talk. I doubted whether I had the ability to memorize a phone number, let alone more than 1000 words in a script where every word matters.
And the delivery of the talk…well, that was the ultimate challenge as it brought back the incredible stage fright I felt when I was encouraged to run as a federal election candidate in 2015 (despite having zero experience in politics, but a strong desire to make things better for people and the planet).
The level of support provided by the TEDx Surrey team during the entire journey was impressive. Thanks to their incredible coaches, in three short months, I went from wondering how I could succinctly deliver everything that I wanted to say and doubting I could remember it, to the reassuring awareness that my memory is far better than I ever imagined possible and that anything is possible. Solutions really do exist!
Trees Matter
Through music, dance, song and stunning visuals, I was given the opportunity to artfully express the importance of protecting, preserving and planting urban trees in this 7 minute production. This unique collaboration involved members of the Victoria Symphony, the Victoria Philharmonic Choir, the Emily Carr String Quartet and Ballet Victoria.
Produced for Creatively United for the Planet, a non-profit society dedicated to showcasing creative climate solutions, the Trees Matter narrative is presented from the point of view of a sage elder who shares his knowledge with three delightful youth.
A Cellobration of Nature!
What an incredible year it has been for creative collaboration. Eight cellists from University of Victoria Cello class, under the direction of Pamela Highbaugh Aloni, recently debuted a new composition by Hollas Longton that features my poetry set to outdoor imagery I captured in various inspiring locations throughout southern Vancouver Island.
This four minute compilation was funded by the Gail O’Riordan Climate and the Arts Legacy Fund.
Capital Daily Readers Spotlight
What an honour to be featured in the Good Newsletter, produced by the Capital Daily. Thanks to editor Emily Fagan for posing the questions and community volunteer extraordinaire, Bev Bacon, for putting my name forward for the Readers Spotlight.
For our first Readers Spotlight, we’re highlighting a local environmentalist and community organizer, Frances Litman. She was nominated by Bev Bacon for her work with Creatively United for the Planet. (Interview edited for length.)
Q: Can you introduce yourself, including what neighbourhood you live in, how long you’ve lived in or around Victoria, and what roles you have in the community?
A: For more than 30 years, I have lived and worked as a freelance photographer and multi-media specialist in Esquimalt and have volunteered many years as a community event organizer and founder of the non-profit community solutions hub, CreativelyUnited.org. Prior to this, I lived in View Royal and worked at the Times Colonist’s editorial department for 16 years.
Give us a brief taste of the great work you’ve done for our community. What are you most proud of?
My passion to unite community through art and culture resulted in more than 10,000 people annually attending some of North America’s largest zero waste sustainability showcases for 8 consecutive years.
I have collaboratively produced and hosted more than 40 videos to inform and inspire people to lower their carbon footprint, as well as created two films about the importance of protecting, preserving and planting trees in collaboration with Ballet Victoria and professional musicians. I have also led numerous, all-ages art and eco-based school programs; produced a book outlining a transformative experience with a school, called Stepping Into Nature; conceived, collaborated and produced an educational cartoon colouring book; plus created the free resource Solution Guide: 58 Solutions for Lighter and Healthier Living.
What would a perfect Saturday in Greater Victoria include for you?
Riding my bike to the Moss Street Market and bringing home a week’s worth of fresh, delectable, locally grown veg and food to eat, share, and enjoy while sharing in conversations with friends.
Tell us about something local (either a person, project, group, object, or business) that’s brought you joy recently. What is it about this that you enjoy the most?
I recently attended the Fairy Creek one year anniversary at the Victoria Legislature and felt a lot of joy and gratitude to be sharing in such a diverse and multi-faceted event with people who share common values, passions, care, and concern for each other and the world around us. Despite the hardships faced by the forest defenders, their conviction, bliss, and eloquence in expressing the unity of their experience really sent my heart soaring for the first time in a long time—not to mention the other fabulous speakers, music, and dance.
A History Shared
Have you a collection of family portraits that may be damaged and need some loving restoration, reprinting and care? Perhaps you have lots of images but need someone to compile them into a beautiful family showpiece?
Let me ensure your family’s treasured memories don’t get lost in time. I’m truly passionate about custom creating solutions that work for each individual’s needs. Please contact me for a complimentary consultation about the multitude of services I can offer you to protect, preserve and pass on your family’s history for generations to come.
Soldier On
It was an honour and a privilege to share my first experience of teaching online creativity classes with Soldier On. We had been trying for months to schedule an in-person course, but due to COVID, it required a pivot in how it was approached otherwise it could be subject to more lengthy delays. I felt confident that we could do everything online, and in fact, I think it was potentially more comfortable for the attendees as they were able to create whatever they wanted with a privacy not afforded with in-person classes. This in itself can be very freeing.
To add to it, I put together a supply package that Soldier On confidentially mailed to each attendee. It was like shipping a Christmas gift filled with adventure. The supplies included were varied and plentiful which allowed everyone to, not only enjoy the benefits of trying things in a directed online class, but to keep working on things with their very own supplies.
Most classes rely on shared supplies, so having the supplies shipped in advance was an added bonus that allowed everyone to focus on their creativity without worrying about whether they had access to the right supplies or quantity. As well, people could attend from anywhere.
As an instructor, I found it really gratifying to see that those participants who chose to be on camera and/or share their creations got really into it. My creativity playshops are all about PLAY and letting go of outcomes. To help get people’s creative engines going, I like to start with some fun, laughter inducing exercises and slowly build on experimenting with the various supplies and trying new things in a safe, easy-going atmosphere. I love introducing people to the many possibilities and health benefits of creativity and look forward to doing this again and again. This whole experience helped confirm to me that anything is possible, we just need to give it a try.
Dear Frances,
Thank you for your support of the Virtual Unleash Your Creativity Event. Not only did you inspire our participants to expand their creative thinking, you enabled a memorable experience for the Soldier On members who attended this event while helping them create a meaningful piece of art. We appreciate your enthusiasm while teaching our members!
Since its inception in 2007, Soldier On has supported thousands of ill and injured members to use sport and physical recreation as part of their recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration. Thanks to people like yourself, the program is able to demonstrate that they do not need to recover alone; Canadians care deeply about their well-being.
The success of the Virtual Unleash Your Creativity and individual achievements of the participants would not have been possible without your support. On behalf of Soldier On and ill and injured members, we thank you for your contribution.
Sincerely,
J.M. Feyko
National Manager
Notaries on Douglas
Congratulations to Notaries on Douglas on their move to 2420 Douglas Street, at the corner of Bay and Douglas in Victoria, BC.
Originally built in 1910 for the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, this two-storey, landmark building is one of Victoria’s original pre-fabricated, classical timber framed structures.
Here are a few images from our latest photo session. To see other photographs, please visit the Notaries on Douglas website which we also had the great pleasure of creating.
Click on a thumbnail to see the full image.
A Winning Team!
Congratulations to Dwyer Tax Law for being chosen one of the Top 10 Tax Law Boutiques in Canada. I had the great pleasure of photographing Blair Dwyer and Kathleen Butler, shown here, for this celebratory cover.
Children’s Health Foundation
For almost three decades I have been extremely honoured to take photographs for the Children’s Health Foundation staff and board, also known as the Queen Alexandra Centre. Since opening in 1927, this organization has been helping children and youth with physical and mental health challenges, supporting the early intervention and therapeutic needs of more than 4,000 island children and their families every year. Please consider donation to this worthwhile cause: https://islandkidsfirst.com/our-kids-first-fund/
An Appreciation of Trees: Discussion Panel
The Vancouver Island branch of the Royal Commonwealth Society hosts this Trees for Life video discussion to highlight the role trees play in our lives, communities, and the longevity of our planet.
Join me with Dr. John Innes (Dean, Faculty of Forestry, UBC), Sarah Abbott (Associate Professor in the Department of Film at the University of Regina, and a Doctor of Social Sciences candidate (ABD) at Royal Roads University) for a conversation and opportunity to spread awareness of the Trees for Life initiative! This first event focuses on an appreciation for trees.
Under Dr. John Innes leadership, the UBC Faculty has taken significant steps toward broadening the curricula and academic content to reflect changing realities in the forest and conservation sectors.
Sarah Abbott’s interdisciplinary doctorate explores the sentient relationality of trees through public ethnography, Indigenous research methodologies, plant science and inter-species communication.
I shares positive solutions in creative ways. My passion is to foster healthy, happy and resilient communities that bring people together.
World Premiere of Awaken
If you love our forests and trees, please share this special short film I co-produced with Creatively United in collaboration with Ballet Victoria.
Awaken, an exquisitely intimate performance inspired by the soft whispers of the forest, features original music composed, sung and orchestrated by Canada’s multi award-winning legend, Ann Mortifee, in collaboration with former Chilliwack band member, Ed Henderson (guitar), and Finn Manniche (cello).
Awaken debuted at Ballet Victoria’s live opening night performance of The Little Prince this past Thursday and will continue to be shown on a giant screen during their entire run, Thursday-Saturday, until October 25th.
The story follows the delightful journey of a young girl and her dog who discover the magical wonders of the forest thanks to guidance from forest sprites.
Shot in one of the few remaining intact wild urban forests on private land in Victoria, BC, the film Awaken was created to help bring awareness to the importance of protecting and preserving forest habitat. We will share more details about ways to save the forest shown here. Stay tuned.
Awaken is presented thanks to the generous sponsorship of Creatively United’s esteemed partner Jon O’Riordan of the Gail O’Riordan Climate and the Arts Legacy Series and a City of Victoria Strategic Plan Grant. We thankfully acknowledge the Westcoast Sacred Arts Society for their contribution to this project.
“You have touched my heart and that of my wife. We both just watched the video, wow!”
“I believe in truth and beauty at the core of existence and you demonstrate that and affirm it time and time again. This video takes us on a magical journey in one of our islands beautiful and unique forests. Our imagination is set free to wander with these lovely forest sprites who exemplify grace and serenity.” – Dan and Jitka K
Climate & Artists Series
Following the huge international success of EarthFest – Creative Solutions for a New World, I was honoured to be invited to host a regular Climate and Artists webinar series for CreativelyUnited.org. This series, in partnership with the Gail O’Riordan Climate and the Arts Legacy Fund, explores the many ways we can manifest a healthier, happier world that works in harmony with nature and be ready to engage with climate solutions when the time comes to consider the next chapter after this pandemic.
On Creatively United you can find, free-of-charge, a multitude of positive, simple solutions, videos, and resources. Together we can all make a difference to lighten our footprint and help re-balance our world. Each step we take, regardless of how small it might be, is a step in the right direction.
The first show in this series launched with the warm voice and thoughtful reflections of Order of Canada multi-talented performing artist, composer, author, storyteller, and keynote speaker, Ann Mortifee, and was followed by nine other webinars.
EarthFest Live: Creative Solutions for a New World
In honour of the 50th anniversary of the founding of Earth Day, I had the great pleasure to coordinate and host EarthFest – Creative Solutions for a New World, a free webinar series in partnership with the Creatively United for the Planet Society, the Gail O’Riordan Climate and the Arts Legacy Fund and the Ecoforestry Institute Society (EIS).
Click here to watch the webinar series.
The series features an incredible line up of world-class presenters, including nine of western Canada’s top youth climate leaders, presenting a multitude of transformational possibilities and creative solutions to inspire and move us towards healthier, happier and more resilient ways of living. These inspiring presentations, complete with speaker bios, can be seen here.
A Home Building Revolution – The Harmless Home
I’m honoured to be the producer of this good news story – the first eco home of its kind in the world! Thanks to pioneers like Arno Keinonen for taking the leap to help revolutionize home building construction.
A full house attended the premiere of this exciting documentary completed in partnership with CreativelyUnited.org. I’m currently working on a number of projects highlighting sustainability champions. If you have a story to share, please let me know.
Futures Forward Sustainable Neighbourhood
I’m proud to be the communications team lead for one of Canada’s first, world class, fully self-sustaining green neighbourhoods, to be built in the Cedar area of Nanaimo.
Jack Anderson of GreenPlan.ca and Chad Thiessen of Futures Forward, are creating a community that will have independent self-sustaining systems for water, heat, electrical systems, food production and sewer, plus long term cost savings that benefit both the planet and residents.
This partnership came together as a result of a special event I coordinated and hosted on Earth Day called Creating Resilient Green Neighbourhoods. Anything is possible when a meeting of minds and collaboration occurs. So far, working with my long time associate, Jake Jansen, we have created the branding, promotional materials, the video with my photography seen above, and the website.
If you have a project to launch let me know how we can help!
Creatively Inspired Mixed Media Workshop
Has it been a long time since you’ve done something for yourself because you’re always caring for and giving to others?
Do you dream of breaking away from routine, taking your work, business or mom hat off to just hang out with friends or meet new people?
Maybe you’re feeling stressed, or even overwhelmed, and crave some me-time!
Creatively Inspired! is designed for women of all ages who are ready to truly immerse themselves in slowing down, taking a pause from their busy lives so they can feel relaxed, refreshed and inspired.
We’ll explore a variety of creative mediums and try new and fun approaches to expressing your creativity. Let go of perfection, preconceived ideas and try numerous techniques and find your groove in this exploratory introduction to using various art supplies and methods. A guaranteed feel good experience. All supplies included. No art experience is required.
Presented in collaboration with Kathy Barlow of Pause Gatherings for Women.
Register here for this Sunday, September 8th, 2019 workshop at Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary, 1772 Millstream Road.
Baltic and Amsterdam Voyage with 3 days in St. Petersburg
I’ve had the great pleasure to host tours for Departures Travel and Niche Women’s Tours for many years now. This is one of the first, that I’m hosting, that isn’t for women only. Book now for this fabulous trip and consider spending some extra pre or post trip time exploring this wonderful part of the world.
We begin our cruise in Stockholm, Sweden, home to impressive palaces straight from the pages of childhood fairy tales. We’ll cross the Baltic Sea to Tallinn, Estonia before sailing to historic St. Petersburg. Extravagant palaces, shimmering golden domes, lavish churches—we’ll need every minute of our three-day stay in St. Petersburg to take in the architecture alone. Next up, the charming city of Helsinki, followed by a rejuvenating day at sea before our arrival in Berlin. We sail on to Copenhagen, a city of spires, and Fredericia, a fortress town flanked by emerald green fjords. A gentle cruise through the Kiel Canal takes us to our final destination, the Venice of the North—Amsterdam. Meals and gratuities are included onboard!
