Eco Arts – Workshop with Rebecca Chunn

Floating Eco- Installation Workshop:
An Exercise in Collaborative Interdependence

In spring 2013 two ecological based workshops organized by Rebecca Chunn were held at Crab Park at Portside in the Downtown Eastside. Themes of nature’s transformative elements, specifically fire and water were explored.  In the first workshop participants were guided by way of their own personal demonstration on how nature can inspire and evoke a sense of self inquiry. 
The workshop began with a burning ceremony, honoring the natural rhythms of changing season. Written words symbolizing that which each participant was ready to let go of were placed into a burning pot for the fire to transform. After the burning ceremony, participants added red clover, leaves and other natural materials to the pre-designed spiral shape, one of the oldest symbols to reflect the universal pattern of growth and evolution. The primary focus of this installation and workshop was about collaboration and themes of nature’s transformative qualities. The workshop commenced soon after the group lit candles and floated the Eco Installation on the pond at Crab Park. A holistic approach towards the natural environment at the park was considered throughout the installation and dismantling process of this piece.

Mandala Workshop: An Exercise in Collaborative Interdependence

“(Sanskrit Mandala ‘circle’) A mandala is a geometric pattern that represents the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically; a microcosm of the universe…and it can be employed as a spiritual teaching tool for establishing sacred space and to aid in meditation…” – Wikipedia
The second workshop involved creating a group mandala on the beach with gathered and found natural materials including kelp, stones, rose petals, and sticks. The workshop began with a brief discussion by Raven Wright and Rebecca Chunn on the various cultural ideas around the creation of mandalas. We then gathered on the beach to arrange stones in the four directions and collect materials for the project. During the process of making this piece we appreciated the beauty and tactile qualities of the natural found materials.  The primary focus of this site-specific installation and workshop was about intuitive process, collaboration and the impermanence of ephemeral eco-based art.  Shortly after completion the mandala was quickly washed away by the tide. The temporary nature of this piece as it washed away created mixed emotions.
These workshops were made possible by the Downtown Eastside Small Grant Project funded by the Vancouver Foundation. Thank you to the Vancouver Foundation and to all of the participants that made these workshops both enjoyable and successful.
These time sensitive installations were professionally documented by Tom Quirk and Raven Wright.