three days, three ways
We rounded up some of our favourite Salt Spring activities and grouped them by region. Happy exploring!
The Lost Art of Plaster
The age-old art of plaster is not a craft that seems to be well-known these days, but Edward McKeever wants that to change. He’s become an expert in the art of plaster, which is made with earth-friendly materials like lime, gypsum or clay and can be used to finish walls and other surfaces.
Salt Spring Sounds
“Salt Spring: Sun and Shadow” is a new ambient collection released May 28th by Arbutus Records. This album comprises tracks recorded on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia made with simple, asynchronous keyboard and guitar loops.
The Fascinating Failure of Channel Ridge
Today Channel Ridge is known for its incredible hiking trails and that one empty house on that one paved road to nowhere. This is the story of the (many) attempts to develop Channel Ridge, which would have originally seen 577 new residences built around a European-inspired centre with shops, entertainment, and outdoor markets.
The Process of Loving Your Period with Alexandria King
Alexandria King’s process of writing her first book is a story of sharing the important but often uncomfortable information to the next generation. Her book, The Moon In You: A Period Love Book For Girls, empowers teen girls to get comfortable with their periods and bodies, intending to transform “puberty from awkward to awe-inspiring.”
Signs of Salt Spring with Naoko Saito
Naoko Saito is a self-described “doodler” who always had a notebook in her hand growing up. Today, Naoko’s drawings can be found publicly across the island, mostly in signage.
Throwing Clay and Pulling Prints at the New Bodega Gallery
Rolando and Kasumi have just recently put the finishing touches on the new Bodega Gallery, with beautiful custom woodwork that Rolando built himself. The warm smell of cedar envelops you when you enter the gallery space, Kasumi’s natural-hued pottery lining a low sideboard to the left, and Rolando’s diverse array of artwork on the walls.
Morning Altars: Natural Mandalas as Meditation
Day Schildkret is an earth artist and educator known for his “morning altars,” incredible mandalas crafted from natural materials found in the wild. His 2018 book Morning Altars: A 7-Step Practice to Nourish Your Spirit Through Nature, Art, and Ritual shares this meditative practice.
Visiting Julie MacKinnon’s Pottery Classroom
With so many events being cancelled over the past few months, it’s heartening to discover that makers like Julie MacKinnon have been evolving their workshops to provide safe, creative escapes for fellow islanders. We met up with Julie in her sun-dappled garden as she was preparing to welcome students back for day two of her outdoor clay workshop, and learned about her return to teaching.
Encouraging Words From The Copper Kettle
On the front table at Salt Spring Books, there is a friendly pink booklet by Copper Kettle called Some Encouraging Words. The truths it contains quickly draw you in; once you start browsing the pages it is hard to put down.