Manuel Erickson publishes steam train stories

Cowichan Valley writer and Arts Café contributor, Manuel Erickson, has written 5 stories in a just-published anthology about trains.

photo by Russ Watson

"Through the Window of a Train: A Canadian Railway Anthology" contains stories and poems by thirty authors who love trains and what they stand for.

"This journey begins in Craigellachie, amongst the verdant mountains of British Columbia, where the famous last spike was driven home. The reader is then transported to Vancouver Island and across the Prairies to Nova Scotia, and from the era of steam to diesel-electric trains. Relive hilarious, hazardous, and historical moments as you peek through the window of a train and into the past. Meet gandy dancers, a rookie running out of steam, lost immigrants, and women entering the male-dominated world of the railway. Experience asbestos snowball fights, boxcar classrooms, and silk trains as they blur by your window."

For more information and to purchase the book visit The Borealis Book Publishers website.



Moderator's note: Manuel Erickson is a contributing author to the Cowichan Valley Arts Café. Read his "Profile of an Artist" or find a list of his contributions and a link to his personal website here through which you can contact him directly.

Vancouver Island summer is here!

"Kyle", photography by Julie Nygaard

"Kyle", artwork by Julie Nygaard, 2007

Courtesy of By Brush And Pen, August, 2007

Password, by Rojan Zét

Password

The presentation that evening leaves me cold but standing at the door you return alone for a moment with eye contact and I ask, "What's the password?" The reply directed to me is, "Love!" accompanied by the warmest, most genuine, and spontaneous smile I've received in a long time. How deeply this reached into my heart leaving an immediate sense of joy and rejuvenation, and new understanding of life. Without thinking I replied, "You've got it!" discerning almost immediately that communication had occurred, a door opened and access granted without even knowing the right question or the correct answer.

Known or not, the pass-word concept correctly used responds with invitation; it represents inclusive attitude of congruence and agreement in principle between parties, allowing entry to relationship and signalling a level of potential trust. Even an action such as gently removing a spider and placing it outdoors can be a "pass-word" creating such an opening. Often we find the concept of password misused for screening, exclusion, and for identification purposes. Correct understanding and recognition of passwords represents more than just a key or ticket, it is the main show itself. It signifies not a secret code, but an attitude of shared values.

Rojan Zét

Vancouver Island magic

It's my 31st wedding anniversary and it's a beautiful day. The sun is shining and the sprinklers are on in Hoey Memorial Park in downtown Duncan, the "City of Totems" in the heart of the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island.

The grass looks extra green, a city works crew is planting flowers and the air is filled with a sunny disposition. I'm feeling good and I'm ready for storytelling.

Photo by Ron Greenaway Carving by Harvey Alphonse and Nelson Canute © City of Duncan

I'm wandering around Duncan's original train station where my "Totem Pole Tours" sign is at the corner. I'm watching the daily island commuter train arrive. Leaving from Victoria in the morning, this train passes through Duncan on its way up island to Courtney and again on its way back to Victoria in the afternoon. It's 9:35 in the morning, and everything in my world seems pretty much on schedule.

Down the tracks, I can see red lights flashing and hear the clanging at the crossing. Blasts from its air horn announce the arrival. A train has stopped daily at this location since a farmer named Thomas Duncans allowed the railway to put this passenger stop on his property in 1886. The train commanded attention even within the buzz of cars and people on this particularly busy Monday morning at the corner of Station and Canada streets.

While this old passenger train comes to a rest, the conductor confidently hops off and places a small platform on the ground to assist people getting off and on.

A few people get off and I see a couple walk over to admire a totem pole I know to commemorate marriage.

I walked over and introduced myself as the City of Duncan's Totem Tour Guide. They were a married couple from Oklahoma, undertaking travels to celebrate, as I was told, 43 years of marriage today.

As we chatted, the gentleman disclosed he had had cancer but after treatment was recently declared "free" of the disease. "This is another reason we're celebrating", he said. He appeared in good health and I spontaneously said so.

I tell them, "The totem pole you're looking at is a pole that celebrates marriage. It was carved by Harvey Alphonse who was Chief of the local Cowichan people".

I point out the two eagles, one above the other, and the fact that eagles mate for life. "That's why two eagles were chosen for this pole. First Nations people believe marriage is a sacred and eternal union. The eagle at the top has wings wrapped around a human and is protecting that person in a state of marriage and the eagle at the bottom is standing on and supporting the partner in that relationship. It teaches spiritual values of marriage ", I said.

Well.... both the lady and the gentleman turned and faced one another. He looked at her, put his arm around her, she smiled at him, they kissed, smiled into one another's face and then looked back at me. I saw their eyes sparkle. They asked me to take a photograph of them, arm in arm, by the marriage pole. They were so happy they glowed... in a special shared moment.

It seemed appropriate, at least to me, that I share with them that "today is my 31st wedding anniversary". They broadly smiled and shook my hand and insisted on taking a picture of me by the marriage pole!

By 9:55 am, I've said goodbye to my visitors from Oklahoma, the train has pulled away and a magical shared moment had left me feeling spiritually connected.

...and... ready to tell another story.

Self Love Introduction

Turn up your speakers and click "Play".

Neil Fatin, photographer

Profile of an Artist

What I enjoy most about photography is the endless supply of subject matter and the ability to capture special moments that offer themselves to anyone living on this planet.

"Infeliz Nina" by Neil Fatin

We live in a truly remarkable world and if you know where to look, or stumble on a unique situation, you can use the camera to share those moments with others.

I continue to be inspired by the work of other photographers and what their eyes see. In addition, I always remain awed by what artists also interpret from the larger canvas of life and nature. Overlaying all of this are the subtleties of lighting throughout the course of the day, the weather and the seasons and the huge impact they have on the subject matter on offer.

The composition of the picture comes from the subject matter itself, there are aspects to a scene that just look right to the observer and over time one attunes themselves to this. There almost always seems to be a better way to present what one sees and sometimes this comes from a keen interest in what other photographers do.

So what do I interpret the term photographic art to mean? Having obtained the image, is there a better way to present it and overlay one's interpretation of the image that hit the negative or the sensor in the camera. Just as an artist will provide his or her interpretation of the image they have seen in reality or in their mind, the photographer can do this with processing as much as the artist uses mixes of colours and interpretive brush strokes to provide a final image.

At the end of it all, what I am trying to achieve is an image that I find interesting, will tell a story and will be captivating enough for others to take notice and enjoy. That is, to move from being self indulgent in ones work and hope the image is received by others with enjoyment or any other reaction other than a reaction of indifference. If the latter is the response, then I consider it a failure. Therefore, in essence the term photographic art to me means, using photography to obtain a reaction from the viewer. The snap shot is just that; it is a shot of something in front of the camera without the story telling, i.e.. a photocopy of what was in front of the lens.

One of my regrets is that I did not have the time during my working life to engage in photography in a more serious way.

There are countless possibilities with modern technology and the learning curve can be quite daunting, but as daunting as it is, it is also challenging and rewarding. It is one of the meanings of life...

~ Neil Fatin


Other artwork shared by Neil in the Cowichan Valley Arts Café includes:

• Chemainus Railway
• Walk in my Shoes

Learn more about Neil Fatin visit www.neilfatinphotoart.com

Karen Nelson, painter

Profile of an Artist

Karen discovered her artistic talents while doodling on her cast after she broke her ankle horseback riding in 2002. Her favourite mediums are watercolour and acrylic, used to create heart-warming pieces of imagery.

artwork by Karen Nelson

Karen appreciates the peaceful nature of Vancouver Island and it's abundance of birds and flowers. Viewers benefit from the healing properties of her artwork. Her talent is divinely guided and she appreciates the opportunity to channel the spirit world as she paints her visions into compositions. She continues to develop her style and technique by attending a variety of workshops. Gardening is also a source of great enjoyment for Karen.

Karen was born in the city of Calgary amidst the prairies of Alberta. Her background as a Registered Nurse and Healing Touch Practitioner have contributed to her spirituality and understanding of mankind.

Karen Nelson is known for her original paintings on the book covers of "Messages of Hope and Healing" and "Make It Happen! Use Your Intuition and Positive Spirals".

Halo Creations
Spiritual Art
(250) 710-0276
Mill Bay, B.C.
Email: karenshalo@hotmail.com
Website: www.karennelson.org

Vic Nadurak, glass artist

Profile of an Artist

SEAFIREGLASSWORKS is located on Vancouver island. This ocean side studio is located mid island in the town of Ladysmith.

artwork by Vic Nadurak

Vic Nadurak is a retired shop teacher and the artist behind Seafireglassworks.

"I love working with glass. Sometimes you follow the glass serpent, other times you take it by the tail and drag, push pull it to conform to your rules. Such a journey, following your imagination, into the glass universe."

Vic's artwork can be found at Imagine that! in Duncan, on Vancouver Island... an artisans co-operative.

Workshops are offered.

All glass products are made on site, with colours from Northstar glass, Momkas, Glass Alchemy, and Tag glass.

For more information visit Seafireglassworks.

Cowichan, a poem by Rojan Zét

Cowichan

By the bridge below Tzouhalem,
where the native lore is learned,
a cart track leads past edges burned,
through farmer's gate, the bolt returned. 

An eagle flies above unseen while
twitter in the trees and green of
scrub and brush this afternoon
gives song to sun with me. 

The butter church stands high above
abandoned like forgotten love; behind
a vagrant hedge the river swishes
rolling stones forever down to
unknown edge or destiny  -
into mud or deeper sea. 

Turn away just at a bend,
go down where this path comes to end
and reach this river's bed, see how
mud traces cover fields of stones
left lying here for now. 

I reach the edge of where this body
flowing steady, always ready for
what lies there in its path, takes
away the aftermath of drunken
parties, burning fires, and
detritus of old desires. 

Quiet now, I stand in worship,
solitary in my purpose, slowly
take off all my clothes and
enter there where no one knows. 

Sun above and Earth below, I
dip my head, bring myself low,
immerse this body, fully sink
and rise again. 

Running by and flowing over,
caress me here my only lover;
my cold nakedness and yours
is warmed in sunshine at your shores. 

Risen: left behind one life. 
Witnessed: left behind all strife.

Though memory still remains of dog,
long lost homes, miscreant wife,
wash old away, bring new life risen -
with a Cowichan baptism.

Rojan Zét

Baptism

"Baptism" digital imaging by Ron Greenaway inspired by the poem "Cowichan" written by Rojan Zét.

Clare Carver - silk painter

Profile of an Artist

I took a water colour painting class with my son when he was in middle school. We both love this medium and continued in the class for a couple of years. Ben moved on to art high school and I continued painting for fun, when I had the time.

In 2004, I quit my work as a clinical counsellor in Ottawa and moved to Vancouver Island to start a different life. I took art classes at the then Malaspina College and learned how to draw. I experimented with charcoal (lovely) and chalk pastel (gruesome) and then went back to watercolour. It's sometimes hard to go back to something when you have tried other things, and I found that I wasn't as excited or motivated as previously In spring 2008 I went on holiday to Bali and, while there, took a course on batik with a water colour artist......I was hooked!

When I got back to Canada, I started by using the traditional batik method. I melted wax and, with a tjanting tool, I drew my picture. My mum, years before, had sent me silk paints and, as I discovered when I eventually found it, yards of silk. Since then, after much research and frustration at the few places that deal with silk painting supplies, I moved on to a water based resist (instead of wax) and then to silk dyes which, although more work, in that they have to be steam set, are more vibrant than the paints and longer lasting.

artwork by Clare Carver

I am enjoying finding new things to paint in silk. At present, I am painting cushions, wall hangings, scarves, purses. ties and moving to painting shawls and sarongs. I am a member of the Visions Art Tour and their Cowichan Valley Art Trail. My cushions are being sold at Imagine That Artisans’ Designs in Duncan, where I am a member, Lobelia's Lair in Nanaimo and the South Shore Gallery in Sooke.

My studio is located in Cowichan Bay at 1840 Koksilah Rd, phone 250 597 4506.

Visit my website at www.pillotalk.ca

Money DOES grow on trees....by Julie Nygaard

Spring Blossoms, 2008
artwork by Julie Nygaard

Well, this morning I had my daughter remind me that "money does grow on trees..."
The conversation was started by my son who constantly is in the "want" mode - I have tried to explain to him that we all have "wants" though we have to deal with "needs" first....basic, everyday stuff - bills, food, etc.....I tried to explain to him that money does not grow on trees and that it is good to "want" things (Lego, games, etc..) and if he saves his allowance and does his chores his "wants" will be reality. My daughter was very quick on telling me in her biggest voice - "Mommy, paper is from trees...so, money is from trees...there are alot of trees right Mommy?" - now, this was a "lets put my foot in my mouth moment"...how was I suppose to answer back to my 6 year old? I did tell her that she was right......I guess money does grow on trees, we just have to find one!

~ Julie Nygaard

The Invasion Has Begun - A Vignette

© 2003, 2005 Manuel Erickson

It was Monday, June the fifth, nineteen forty-four.

In the living room of our Lauder Avenue home in Toronto, my six-year-old brother, David, and I played a game of war. Small model soldiers, tanks and aeroplanes substituted for our version of World War Two. Mom and Dad were out for the evening, leaving Wilf, our fourteen-year-old brother, in charge. Taking a break from his homework, Wilf came in and said, "Time for bed, David." Being older, I was allowed another hour. Then I went to bed and slept almost instantly.

The upstairs hall light created a beacon through the crack of the slightly open door, nudging me awake. I heard someone climbing the stairs. The door opened to the room David and I shared and Mom entered. She sat on my bed and touched my shoulder. I turned onto my back, lifted my lids and smiled at her.

"The radio said the invasion of Normandy has begun," she whispered.

"Then will the war be over, soon?" I asked.

"Yes, soon." She said the last word with a choke.

"That's good, Mom," I said, yawning. "I'm glad." I sat up and hugged her. The scent of her perfume lingered a moment, and I smiled as I breathed in its sweetness.

She squeezed my shoulder. I thought she dabbed at something in her eye as she left the room. She went downstairs and put out the hall light from there, and I fell asleep.

It was just after midnight, Tuesday, June the sixth.

Both Mom and Dad knew I had been following the see-saw progress of the world conflict in the Toronto Daily Star. At only nine years of age, I could read the maps and knew what had been happening overseas, especially to the Jews. I knew about the German dictatorship and about the concentration camps and the crematoria. I understood that if the Nazis won, all the world's Jews, including our family, would be murdered.

It's hard to speculate - more than sixty years later - about why she woke me with this news. My guess is that Mom knew that I knew Hitler had to be defeated.

- Approx. 355 words

A Place for Deer, by Susan Christensen

The arid, parched soil clings to life;
No laughing breezes tickle its humour;
Few misty, moisty morns refresh its growth--
Just a dried out soul praying for relief
Withering from lack of attention.

The thunder clouds roll in
Lightening the dark with lightning energy
Meeting no resistance as its shards of pain
Ignite the tinder left unattended--
Seemingly waiting for the conflagration.

Fire storm.
Panic and pain.
No place to hide, to escape the heat;
The blistering invader lays waste to all
Stripping every superfluous speck of chi
From a once supportive life-force.

So cruel. Such devastation!
Such broken symbiotic connections.
Gone forever is the illusion of security and content.
The blackened stillness,
So stark in its soot and ash;
All life forced out,
The soil rests under its cauterized surface.

Pandora’s hope springs eternal!
Six months later
With delicate green tendrils peeking forth,
Life,
different, but life it is,
Makes a resurgence.
The soul of the forest is reborn.
This time -- with a place for deer.

By Susan Christensen
(Musings on recovery after trauma, both personal & environmental.)

Paradise in Canada

"From the Valley" by James D Clement

The Cowichan Valley: A uniquely beautiful part of the world, with its untainted nature reserves, its crystal winter snowfalls, its glorious collection of totem poles, and its trips through time by steam train. Within this collection of Canadian poetry, you will discover what a majestic valley it is. Author J.D. Clement, with his deep, meaningful verse and his beautiful imagery, takes you on a journey through this part of British Columbia and everything it stands for.

Turn up your speakers and click "Play".

Available at www.lulu.com

"City of Totems" and Copyright Act

On August 15, 2007 the Cowichan Valley Citizen published a newspaper article entitled "Duncan introduces totem toll".

It reported that a new City of Duncan Totem Copyright Policy stated the City "holds the copyright policy on the totem collection," and that "the use of the totem images in any form requires approval from the City of Duncan," and "Furthermore, the City of Duncan reserves the right to levy a copyright charge on a project by project basis."

I believe in the protection of copyright but I also believe in defending my personal rights and freedoms. As outlined in the Canada Copyright Act, and noted below, it is not against the law to photograph public art nor is permission required to take photographs.



Canada Copyright Act

Permitted acts

32.2 (1) It is not an infringement of copyright

(a) for an author of an artistic work who is not the owner of the copyright in the work to use any mould, cast, sketch, plan, model or study made by the author for the purpose of the work, if the author does not thereby repeat or imitate the main design of the work;

(b) for any person to reproduce, in a painting, drawing, engraving, photograph or cinematographic work

(i) an architectural work, provided the copy is not in the nature of an architectural drawing or plan, or

(ii) a sculpture or work of artistic craftsmanship or a cast or model of a sculpture or work of artistic craftsmanship, that is permanently situated in a public place or building;

---

This website contains digital collages that include photographs of totems. In all cases the carvers of these totems are identified along with the respective image at the time of posting. None of these images are offered for sale and they serve only to promote all artists and the Cowichan Valley.

In an article titled "Copyright law offers poor protection for aboriginal cultural property" David Spratley reported about the City of Duncan's claim to copyright in The Lawyers Weekly. He wrote "This policy is most likely unenforceable from a copyright perspective, but it highlights the disconnect between Canadian copyright law and aboriginal culture." Read more... .

Read something more about this at "Do you have a permit to take that photo?".