Why Are So Many People Unable to Afford a Home?

 Housing Hackathon Canada

Why Are So Many People Unable to Afford a Home?

For years, Canadians have celebrated increases to the minimum wage. Higher wages are important and can help workers keep up with the rising cost of living.

But many people have noticed something frustrating.

As wages have gone up over time, rents have also continued to rise.

For many workers, it can feel like taking one step forward and two steps back.

Today, many people working full-time still cannot afford to rent a modest home on their own.

This affects:

• Seniors on fixed incomes.
• Young adults starting their careers.
• Single parents raising children.
• People with disabilities.
• Artists, students, service workers, and many others.

The result is that more people are forced to share housing with strangers, live in overcrowded conditions, move far from their jobs, or rely on family and friends.

For some, when those options disappear, the next stop is an emergency shelter—or homelessness.

Housing isn't just an economic issue.

It's a health issue.

It's a public safety issue.

It's a community issue.

Everyone deserves a safe, stable place to call home.

Raising wages is only part of the solution. If the cost of housing continues to outpace people's incomes, many Canadians will continue to struggle no matter how hard they work.

Perhaps the question isn't simply, "Should wages increase?"

The bigger question is:

How do we make sure housing remains within reach for the people who keep our communities running?

#HousingHackathonCanada #MinimumWage #AffordableHousing #HousingCrisis #Homelessness #Seniors #Youth #SingleParents #CostOfLiving #Vancouver

When Did Artists Become the Product?

When Did Artists Become the Product?

I recently watched another artist talk about how the "game" keeps changing for creators.

Her words stayed with me because I have lived through so many versions of this transformation.

Artists have always had to adapt. We learn new tools, experiment with new ideas, and find new ways to share our work.

But somewhere along the way, the expectations changed.

Artists were no longer only expected to create art.

We became photographers of our own work, website designers, graphic designers, marketers, social media managers, videographers, editors, and content creators.

And the list keeps growing.

Before Algorithms

I graduated from the Professional Photography program at Langara College in 1995.

The world was completely different.

There were no smartphones. No Instagram. No TikTok. No websites.

We studied photography seriously. I spent hours looking at photographs in magazines like Vogue, studying composition, lighting, storytelling, and what made an image powerful.

Photography was expensive. Film, processing, printing, and equipment required commitment.

Your portfolio was everything.

We were told: Never leave your portfolio with someone. It could be lost or stolen.

Your work existed in your hands. You carried it. You protected it. You presented it in person.

Then technology changed.

The Artist Learns Again

The internet arrived, and artists were told:

"You need a website."

So I learned HTML when many people had barely heard of it. I learned Photoshop. I created branding, designed online spaces, and adapted to the digital world.

Then came social media.

"You need a presence."

So I learned blogs. I created hundreds of YouTube videos. I learned Instagram. I learned how to tell stories online and connect with people.

I adapted.

Again and again.

But the finish line kept moving.

Now artists are told:

You need video. You need reels. You need to understand algorithms. You need to post constantly. You need a personal brand. You need to make yourself visible every single day.

When Did Artists Become the Product?

One artist described how far this has gone. She talked about the pressure of creating TikTok videos and even making sure her hands looked perfect on camera.

That comment made me stop.

Not because there is anything wrong with enjoying beauty, fashion, or self-expression.

The problem is what it represents.

When did artists become responsible for not only creating the art, but packaging ourselves as the product?

I am an artist.

Not a salesperson.

Of course artists need to share their work. Of course connecting with people and selling art is part of being a working artist.

But there is a difference between sharing your creativity and becoming a full-time marketing machine.

Every hour spent chasing algorithms is an hour taken away from creating.

Every new platform creates another learning curve.

Every new trend creates another demand.

And we have to ask:

Are these technologies truly helping artists share their work?

Or are they creating another layer of unpaid labour that takes artists away from the very thing they are here to do?

Create.

Who Benefits?

We need to ask a bigger question.

Who benefits from this endless cycle?

Are artists truly being empowered, or are we providing free content, free data, and free labour to massive companies that profit from our creativity and attention?

Artists have always adapted.

We are curious. We are problem-solvers. We learn new tools.

But adaptation should not mean the art becomes secondary.

AI: Tool or Replacement?

Now we face another enormous shift: artificial intelligence.

I want to be clear.

I do not use AI to create my paintings, murals, or photography.

My artwork comes from my own hands, my experiences, my imagination, and my connection to the world around me.

I do use technology, including AI tools, for things like writing, brainstorming, organizing ideas, and creating posters for communication and activism.

There is a difference between using a tool to communicate an idea and replacing the creative process itself.

Artists have always learned from others. We study masters, practice techniques, and build on what came before us.

The important questions are:

Who created the idea? Who shaped the message? Who is telling the story? Where does the human experience come in?

Art Has Always Fought Back

Throughout history, artists have responded to difficult times.

Political cartoons, protest posters, murals, songs, and photography have challenged power and brought people together.

That is where ideas like #FightBackWithArt and #WarriorUpWithArt came from.

When people felt attacked, artists responded with creativity.

Humour. Satire. Imagination. Resistance.

Art has always been a way to say: We are still here.

Finding the Balance

I have always been a person who asks questions.

Sometimes my words come out sharp because I care deeply.

I am learning that the craft is knowing when to sharpen the blade and when to soften the handle—so people can pick it up and use it with you.

The blade asks questions. The handle invites conversation.

That is what art can do.

Technology should support creativity, not consume it.

Artists are not content factories.

We are not algorithms.

We are human beings with something to say.

The value of art was never measured by views, likes, or what a computer decided to show us.

It was measured by connection.

A human being creating something that reaches another human being.

And maybe that is what we need to protect most:

The human heart of creativity.

We are at a really good point. The article has evolved from “Facebook views dropped” into a much bigger reflection on the changing life of an artist: technology, algorithms, unpaid labour, AI, activism, and protecting the human part of creativity.

I also brought in the “sharp blade / softened handle” idea because I think that is part of your creative voice.

Here is the full blog draft:

The Never-Ending Game: When Did Artists Become the Product?

I recently watched another artist talk about how the "game" keeps changing for creators.

Her words stayed with me because I have lived through so many versions of this transformation.

Artists have always had to adapt. We learn new tools, experiment with new ideas, and find new ways to share our work.

But somewhere along the way, the expectations changed.

Artists were no longer only expected to create art.

We became photographers of our own work, website designers, graphic designers, marketers, social media managers, videographers, editors, and content creators.

And the list keeps growing.

Before Algorithms

I graduated from the Professional Photography program at Langara College in 1995.

The world was completely different.

There were no smartphones.

No Instagram.

No TikTok.

No websites.

We studied photography seriously. I spent hours looking at photographs in magazines like Vogue, studying composition, lighting, storytelling, and what made an image powerful.

Photography was expensive. Film, processing, printing, and equipment required commitment.

Your portfolio was everything.

We were told: Never leave your portfolio with someone. It could be lost or stolen.

Your work existed in your hands. You carried it. You protected it. You presented it in person.

Then technology changed.

The Artist Learns Again

The internet arrived, and artists were told:

"You need a website."

So I learned HTML when many people had barely heard of it. I learned Photoshop. I created branding, designed online spaces, and adapted to the digital world.

Then came social media.

"You need a presence."

So I learned blogs. I created hundreds of YouTube videos. I learned Instagram. I learned how to tell stories online and connect with people.

I adapted.

Again and again.

But the finish line kept moving.

Now artists are told:

You need video.

You need reels.

You need to understand algorithms.

You need to post constantly.

You need a personal brand.

You need to make yourself visible every single day.

When Did Artists Become the Product?

One artist described how far this has gone. She talked about the pressure of creating TikTok videos and even making sure her hands looked perfect on camera.

That comment made me stop.

Not because there is anything wrong with enjoying beauty, fashion, or self-expression.

The problem is what it represents.

When did artists become responsible for not only creating the art, but packaging ourselves as the product?

I am an artist.

Not a salesperson.

Of course artists need to share their work. Of course connecting with people and selling art is part of being a working artist.

But there is a difference between sharing your creativity and becoming a full-time marketing machine.

Every hour spent chasing algorithms is an hour taken away from creating.

Every new platform creates another learning curve.

Every new trend creates another demand.

And we have to ask:

Are these technologies truly helping artists share their work?

Or are they creating another layer of unpaid labour that takes artists away from the very thing they are here to do?

Create.

Who Benefits?

We need to ask a bigger question.

Who benefits from this endless cycle?

Are artists truly being empowered, or are we providing free content, free data, and free labour to massive companies that profit from our creativity and attention?

Artists have always adapted.

We are curious.

We are problem-solvers.

We learn new tools.

But adaptation should not mean the art becomes secondary.

AI: Tool or Replacement?

Now we face another enormous shift: artificial intelligence.

I want to be clear.

I do not use AI to create my paintings, murals, or photography.

My artwork comes from my own hands, my experiences, my imagination, and my connection to the world around me.

I do use technology, including AI tools, for things like writing, brainstorming, organizing ideas, and creating posters for communication and activism.

There is a difference between using a tool to communicate an idea and replacing the creative process itself.

Artists have always learned from others. We study masters, practice techniques, and build on what came before us.

The important questions are:

Who created the idea?

Who shaped the message?

Who is telling the story?

Where does the human experience come in?

Art Has Always Fought Back

Throughout history, artists have responded to difficult times.

Political cartoons, protest posters, murals, songs, and photography have challenged power and brought people together.

That is where ideas like #FightBackWithArt and #WarriorUpWithArt came from.

When people felt attacked, artists responded with creativity.

Humour.

Satire.

Imagination.

Resistance.

Art has always been a way to say: We are still here.

Finding the Balance

I have always been a person who asks questions.

Sometimes my words come out sharp because I care deeply.

I am learning that the craft is knowing when to sharpen the blade and when to soften the handle—so people can pick it up and use it with you.

The blade asks questions.

The handle invites conversation.

That is what art can do.

Technology should support creativity, not consume it.

Artists are not content factories.

We are not algorithms.

We are human beings with something to say.

The value of art was never measured by views, likes, or what a computer decided to show us.

It was measured by connection.

A human being creating something that reaches another human being.

And maybe that is what we need to protect most:

The human heart of creativity.

Reflective Questions

1. When did creating art become inseparable from constantly marketing ourselves?

2. Are digital platforms helping artists, or creating more unpaid work?

3. How much time should artists spend feeding algorithms instead of creating?

4. Should art be measured by views and likes, or by the connection it creates?

5. What parts of creativity can technology support, and what parts must remain human?

6. How do we protect artists from becoming content creators first and creators second?

7. Who benefits when artists provide endless free content online?

8. Can AI be a useful tool while still protecting human creativity?

9. What does it mean to create art in a world ruled by algorithms?

10. How can we support artists so they have more time to create?

#ArtistsAreNotAlgorithms

#ArtMatters

#EthicsInTheArts

#CreativeFreedom

#FightBackWithArt

#WarriorUpWithArt

#HumanCreativity

#SupportArtists

#ArtAndTechnology

#FutureOfArt

The Power of a Click: How a Tiny Action Changed the World

 The Power of a Click: How a Tiny Action Changed the World

I learned HTML before most people even knew what the internet was.

Back then, building a website was like building a little house on a brand-new frontier. We experimented, we made mistakes, we learned through trial and error. We had to teach people how to use this strange new thing called the World Wide Web.

We literally had to tell people:

"Click here."

A click was simple. It meant curiosity. It meant, I want to learn more.

But somewhere along the way, the click changed.

The internet grew. Businesses arrived. Advertising followed. Suddenly, a click was no longer just a choice—it became a measurement. A number. A way to track attention, sell products, influence opinions, and make money.

Today, your attention is one of the most valuable things on Earth.

Every click teaches an algorithm something about you.

What makes you angry. What makes you afraid. What makes you happy. What keeps you watching.

And sometimes, the most emotional stories spread the fastest—even when they are not true.

A beautiful story about a bald eagle carrying a teddy bear after losing its mate is a perfect example. Many people wanted to believe it because it touched something human inside us. It was a story about love, grief, and comfort.

But was it real?

That question matters.

Because we are entering a time where images, videos, and stories can be created in seconds. The line between reality and fiction is becoming harder to see.

Many young people today have never known a world without a smartphone. They grew up connected 24 hours a day. They never experienced waiting for information, looking something up in a library, or simply being unreachable.

This is not their fault. Technology changes faster than humans can adapt.

But we need to teach the next generation that every click has power.

Before you share: Ask who created this. Ask why it was created. Ask who benefits from you sharing it.

The internet was built by humans. It can be one of the greatest tools for education, creativity, and connection.

But we have to remember:

We are not just users of technology. We are shaping what technology becomes.

A click is small.

But billions of clicks can change the world.

Reflective Questions 

Do you remember a time before smartphones and constant connectivity?

What does a "click" mean to you today compared to 20 years ago?

Are we using technology, or is technology shaping our behaviour?

How often do we share something because we want it to be true?

Who benefits from the attention we give online?

Have algorithms changed what you see, believe, or talk about?

What digital skills should every child learn before getting a smartphone?

How do we protect curiosity and creativity in a world competing for our attention?

Is convenience always worth the cost?

What kind of internet do we want to build for the next generation?

#ThePowerOfAClick

#DigitalLiteracy

#InternetHistory

#ThinkBeforeYouClick

#DigitalAwareness

#AIAndHumanity

#CriticalThinking

#TechnologyAndSociety

#FutureOfTheInternet

#DigitalHorizonZ

#SlowDownAndThink

#TruthInTheDigitalAge

What Does "Affordable Housing" Really Mean?

 Housing Hackathon Canada

What Does "Affordable Housing" Really Mean?

One word.

Hundreds of opinions.

Thousands of lives affected.

When most Canadians hear "affordable housing," they imagine housing that an average working person can comfortably afford.

For example:

• A teacher.
• A nurse.
• A tradesperson.
• An artist.
• A senior living on a pension.
• A single parent.
• Someone working full-time at an ordinary job.

Most people think affordable means: "I can pay my rent or mortgage and still have enough money left for food, transportation, utilities, and emergencies."

Unfortunately, that's not always how the term is used.

In housing policy, "affordable housing" can refer to many different things. It might include:

• Below-market rental housing.
• Non-profit housing.
• Co-op housing.
• Supportive housing.
• Income-based housing.
• Market housing that is considered affordable for households with certain incomes.

Those are important programs—but the word affordable doesn't automatically mean affordable for you.

The Vancouver Reality

This is where many people become frustrated.

A full-time worker can earn a decent income and still struggle to rent a modest apartment.

A young family may earn too much to qualify for subsidized housing but too little to buy a home.

A senior on a fixed income may spend much of their pension on rent.

Someone can work hard, pay taxes, and still feel locked out of the housing market.

This creates what many call the "missing middle"—people who don't qualify for housing assistance but also can't comfortably afford market housing.

Maybe We Need Better Questions

Instead of asking:

"How many affordable housing units were built?"

Maybe we should ask:

• Affordable for whom?
• At what income?
• At what rent or purchase price?
• Can an average local worker actually afford to live there?
• Does the housing meet the needs of the people who live and work in this community?

Housing isn't just about buildings.

It's about whether people can build stable lives in the communities they call home.

Maybe it's time to stop using the word "affordable" without explaining what it actually means.

#HousingHackathonCanada #AffordableHousing #HousingAffordability #HousingCrisis #Vancouver #CostOfLiving #RentalHousing #HomeOwnership #HousingPolicy #Canada

Housing Hackathon Canada

 Housing Hackathon Canada

"If software developers can solve complex technical problems in a weekend, why can't Canada bring together the people responsible for housing to solve one of the biggest challenges of our generation?"

Welcome to the Housing Hackathon Canada Project.

This isn't about politics. It isn't about blame.

It's about bringing everyone into the same room and refusing to leave until we have practical solutions.

Imagine hundreds of people working together:

• Federal government
• Provincial governments
• Municipal governments
• Indigenous governments
• Housing providers
• Developers and builders
• Architects and engineers
• Universities and researchers
• Mental health and addiction experts
• Financial institutions
• Non-profit organizations
• People with lived experience of homelessness

No speeches.

No finger-pointing.

No passing responsibility to another level of government.

Instead, every challenge is put on the table.

What's stopping affordable housing?

Which barriers can be removed immediately?

Who has the authority to act?

Who is responsible?

When will it be done?

Every solution would have a timeline, a lead organization, and public reporting so Canadians can see real progress.

Housing is too important to be tackled by one department, one city, or one government acting alone.

Canada has brilliant minds. We have builders, planners, engineers, economists, community leaders, and people with lived experience who understand the problems better than anyone.

What we're missing isn't intelligence.

We're missing a process that brings everyone together with one shared mission.

Maybe it's time for a national Housing Hackathon Canada.

Not just another conference.

A working session.

A collaboration.

A commitment to action.

Who knows? Maybe this idea will inspire someone with the power to make it happen.

Every great project begins with a conversation.

Reflective Questions

If a 12-year-old can understand the problem, adults should be able to solve it.

1. Why are so many people working full-time but still unable to afford rent?

2. If governments know housing is a basic human need, why are so many people still unhoused?

3. What is the biggest obstacle to building more affordable housing today?

4. Which level of government is responsible for each part of the housing system—and how can they work together instead of blaming each other?

5. How can we build more homes while also protecting parks, farmland, and the environment?

6. What can be done to reduce the time it takes to approve new housing projects without sacrificing safety or public input?

7. How do mental health, addictions, health care, and housing work together to help people find stable homes?

8. How can we make sure new housing is affordable for nurses, teachers, tradespeople, artists, seniors, students, and families—not just high-income earners?

9. How do we measure success? Is it by the number of homes built, the number of people housed, or how many people can actually afford to live in their communities?

10. If you were given one year, a team of experts, and the support of all three levels of government, what would you do first?

#HousingHackathonCanada #HousingCrisis #AffordableHousing #Collaboration #Innovation #Democracy #Accountability #BuildTogether #CommunitySolutions #Canada

A Message to the Next Generation of Creators: Who Gets to Be Seen?

A Message to the Next Generation of Creators: Who Gets to Be Seen?

I want to ask the next generation of artists some difficult questions.

Before you blame yourself for not being “successful” online, ask:

Who built the system you are trying to survive in?

I started creating before algorithms controlled visibility. I learned HTML, built websites, wrote blogs, photographed communities, painted, documented stories, and shared my work long before a machine decided whether people were allowed to see it.

I watched the internet change from a place where independent voices could grow into a world where visibility is often controlled by platforms, advertising, money, and data.

Today, an artist can create something meaningful and still disappear.

Not because the art has no value.

Because the system decides what gets attention.

But this is not only about social media.

We need to ask bigger questions about the entire arts ecosystem.

Who gets gallery representation?

Who gets paid opportunities?

Who gets access to internships, student arts jobs, and professional networks?

Who can afford the time, materials, equipment, studio space, website, advertising, and travel needed to build an artistic career?

Who gets invited to farmers markets, craft fairs, and cultural events?

Who gets the grants?

Who has the knowledge and support to apply?

And who is left behind?

Is it truly fair when someone with family money, connections, and the ability to pay for promotion can make themselves visible, while another equally talented artist is working multiple jobs just to survive?

Are we measuring creativity, or are we measuring privilege?

Are we supporting emerging artists, or are we creating systems where only those who already have resources can rise?

Arts organizations, galleries, community centres, cultural alliances, and funding bodies need to ask themselves:

Are we creating open doors, or are we unintentionally protecting old ones?

Are we reaching artists who do not already know the system?

Are we making space for voices outside traditional networks?

Young artists: learn the tools.

Learn technology.

Learn how algorithms work.

Learn how grants work.

Learn how to protect your work and build communities that belong to you.

Do not let any platform, institution, or number on a screen decide your worth.

The future of art depends on creators who are willing to question the systems around them.

Rise. Create. Collaborate. Organize.

Not because art is a competition.

Because culture itself is something we all help build.

And if we do not protect diverse voices, we risk losing the very creativity that makes our communities alive.

Yes. This takes the conversation beyond Facebook. The bigger question you are raising is access, opportunity, and who gets to participate in culture.

I would frame it as a call to reflection rather than only anger, because that invites students, galleries, funders, and arts organizations to actually examine the system.

A Message to the Next Generation of Creators: Who Gets to Be Seen?

I want to ask the next generation of artists some difficult questions.

Before you blame yourself for not being “successful” online, ask:

Who built the system you are trying to survive in?

I started creating before algorithms controlled visibility. I learned HTML, built websites, wrote blogs, photographed communities, painted, documented stories, and shared my work long before a machine decided whether people were allowed to see it.

I watched the internet change from a place where independent voices could grow into a world where visibility is often controlled by platforms, advertising, money, and data.

Today, an artist can create something meaningful and still disappear.

Not because the art has no value.

Because the system decides what gets attention.

But this is not only about social media.

We need to ask bigger questions about the entire arts ecosystem.

Who gets gallery representation?

Who gets paid opportunities?

Who gets access to internships, student arts jobs, and professional networks?

Who can afford the time, materials, equipment, studio space, website, advertising, and travel needed to build an artistic career?

Who gets invited to farmers markets, craft fairs, and cultural events?

Who gets the grants?

Who has the knowledge and support to apply?

And who is left behind?

Is it truly fair when someone with family money, connections, and the ability to pay for promotion can make themselves visible, while another equally talented artist is working multiple jobs just to survive?

Are we measuring creativity, or are we measuring privilege?

Are we supporting emerging artists, or are we creating systems where only those who already have resources can rise?

Arts organizations, galleries, community centres, cultural alliances, and funding bodies need to ask themselves:

Are we creating open doors, or are we unintentionally protecting old ones?

Are we reaching artists who do not already know the system?

Are we making space for voices outside traditional networks?

Young artists: learn the tools.

Learn technology.

Learn how algorithms work.

Learn how grants work.

Learn how to protect your work and build communities that belong to you.

Do not let any platform, institution, or number on a screen decide your worth.

The future of art depends on creators who are willing to question the systems around them.

Rise. Create. Collaborate. Organize.

Not because art is a competition.

Because culture itself is something we all help build.

And if we do not protect diverse voices, we risk losing the very creativity that makes our communities alive.

#CanadianArts

#ArtsFunding

#FairAccessToArt

Two sets of reels. Same creator. Same type of content. Completely different reach.

One set was uploaded consecutively — the other was posted one per day.

The difference is shocking.

Some reels reached 200+ views. Others reached only 1 or 2.

So I have to ask:

Are we really being judged by the quality of our work, or by an algorithm deciding who gets seen?

Creators need to understand the systems controlling visibility.

The future of art depends on learning the tools, questioning the platforms, and building communities beyond the algorithm.

#ArtistsRights #AlgorithmAwareness #CreativeIndependence #SupportArtists #FutureOfArt

The Storms Our Parents Remember — The Future We Inherit

 The Storms Our Parents Remember — The Future We Inherit

To the young people speaking up about data centres, climate, water, and the future:

You understand something important.

Every decision has a footprint.

A building is not just a building.

A project is not just a project.

It uses land. It uses energy. It uses water. It changes the world around it.

Many people living in Vancouver today have never heard of Hurricane Freda, also known as the Columbus Day Storm of 1962.

But our parents and grandparents remember.

They remember winds powerful enough to destroy forests, damage communities, knock out power, and change landscapes forever.

I was only 10 months old when that storm happened. I don't remember it, but my family lived through it. My mother remembered the fear of those winds.

That is how history works.

One generation experiences something.

The next generation decides whether to remember.

Today, we face new challenges:

🔥 Wildfires
🌊 Rising risks along our coast
💧 Pressure on water resources
🌎 Climate change
🏙️ Rapid development

The question is not whether we can stop every storm, every fire, or every change.

We can't.

The question is:

Are we making decisions with enough respect for nature and enough care for the future?

Young people are asking these questions because they know they will live with the consequences.

Keep asking.

Keep learning.

Keep looking beyond the exciting promises and ask:

“What does this mean 10, 20, or 50 years from now?”

The future is not something we inherit.

It is something we build.

10 Reflective Questions

1. If a storm like Hurricane Freda happened again, would our waterfront decisions today show that we learned from history?

2. Do we design our cities for the best weather days—or for the worst days nature can bring?

3. When we build something new, are we asking only “Can we build it?” or are we asking “Should we build it here, and what are the long-term consequences?”

4. Who speaks for the ocean, the whales, the forests, and the wildlife that cannot attend council meetings?

5. Are we treating water as an unlimited resource, or are we protecting it as something every living thing depends on?

6. When young people inherit the decisions being made today, will they thank us for our choices—or ask why we ignored the warnings?

7. Have we become so focused on growth and convenience that we forget the natural systems supporting our lives?

8. What does “sustainable development” really mean if a project creates more pressure on water, energy, ecosystems, or infrastructure?

9. Are we preserving the memories and lessons of previous generations, or are we allowing them to disappear as cities change?

10. If we knew a major storm, flood, or climate event was coming someday, what decisions would we make differently today?

#ClimateAction

#ProtectOurWater

#NatureNeedsAVoice

#SustainableCities

#HistoryMatters

#AskTheHardQuestions

Water is Life.

 Water is Life.

Not money. Not luxury. Not convenience.

Water.

I've lived where clean drinking water isn't something you take for granted.

In parts of Mexico, I have to buy bottled water just to stay healthy. Sometimes I forget to buy more before the stores close. The bottles are heavy. As we get older, carrying them isn't always easy. It reminds me that access to safe drinking water is a privilege, not a guarantee.

Then I come home and hear people say, "There's lots of water."

Yes... there is.

Until there isn't.

The greatest threat isn't that the planet will suddenly run out of water. It's that we continue to contaminate the fresh water we depend on until it becomes too expensive—or impossible—to drink.

Every river we pollute. Every wetland we destroy. Every decision that puts short-term profit ahead of long-term stewardship.

It all adds up.

We should be asking harder questions about every project that affects our waterways.

Is this the best use of our resources?

Does it protect the water our children and grandchildren will depend on?

Does it leave nature healthier than we found it?

The oceans, rivers, lakes, salmon, whales, birds, forests—and every one of us—are connected.

Water isn't just another resource.

Water is life.

If we forget that, we risk losing the very thing that keeps us alive.

Protect water as if your life depends on it.

Because it does.

#WaterIsLife #ProtectOurWater #CleanWater #Freshwater #ClimateAction #ProtectNature #EnvironmentalStewardship #ThinkLongTerm #EveryDropCounts #FutureGenerations

Ten Questions Vancouver City Council and Project Supporters Should Answer

 Ten Questions Vancouver City Council and Project Supporters Should Answer

1. What is the emergency plan if a storm comparable to the 1962 Hurricane Freda (the Columbus Day Storm) or the 2006 windstorm that devastated Stanley Park strikes while this massive barge is in the harbour?

2. Who is legally and financially responsible if the barge breaks free during an extreme weather event and damages the Burrard Street Bridge, nearby vessels, or waterfront infrastructure?

3. Has the project been designed to withstand the stronger storms and sea conditions scientists predict will become more common because of climate change? If so, where is that engineering assessment?

4. What happens during the exceptionally low tides when many of the historic vessels at the Vancouver Maritime Museum sit on the bottom? Will this project interfere with those tidal conditions, navigation, maintenance, or emergency access?

5. What independent environmental studies have been completed to determine whether construction, dredging, anchoring, or increased marine activity could disturb contaminated sediments that have accumulated over decades in False Creek?

6. Southern Resident killer whales and humpback whales are finally returning to our coastal waters. What assessment has been done on the effects of additional underwater noise, vibration, vessel traffic, lighting, and human activity on marine mammals and fish?

7. If this project is intended to support environmental sustainability, how does constructing and operating a large commercial floating spa align with Vancouver's climate commitments while British Columbia faces increasingly destructive wildfire seasons?

8. Has a comprehensive traffic and emergency access study been completed that considers Bard on the Beach, the Sen̓áḵw development, cyclists, pedestrians, emergency vehicles, and this new attraction operating simultaneously?

9. If the project fails financially or closes in the future, who pays to remove the structure, restore the site, and remediate any environmental damage? Taxpayers—or the private operator?

10. Most importantly: Has every decision been made because it genuinely serves the long-term public interest, or because short-term revenue was considered more important than protecting one of Vancouver's most treasured waterfronts?

#Vancouver #FalseCreek #HeritageHarbour #ProtectOurCoast #MarineConservation #ClimateAction #PublicWaterfront #UrbanPlanning

How Much More Are We Willing to Risk

 How Much More Are We Willing to Risk?

City Council has voted unanimously in favour of the massive floating barge spa in Heritage Harbour.

Now ask yourselves: Was this truly the best use of public time, energy, and resources?

I walk and cycle through this area almost every day. I see the congestion. I hear the emergency vehicles struggling through traffic. I watch Chestnut Street deteriorate under the weight of construction traffic while residents are told to wait for repairs until the Sen̓áḵw project is complete.

Adding another major destination to this already stressed waterfront raises legitimate questions about traffic, emergency access, infrastructure, and public safety.

And then there is the environmental reality.

British Columbia is burning. Communities are evacuating. Firefighters are risking their lives. Governments at every level tell us we must reduce emissions, protect ecosystems, and prepare for a changing climate.

Yet somehow, we are moving ahead with a giant commercial barge in one of Vancouver's most iconic waterfront locations.

Have we learned nothing?

This coast is no stranger to powerful winter storms. We have all seen what can happen when barges break free. We remember vessels drifting for months after storms, creating enormous risks and expensive recovery efforts. It only takes one failure, one extreme weather event, one miscalculation.

Who carries the responsibility if something goes wrong?

Who pays for the cleanup?

Who protects the harbour?

Public officials are elected to think beyond today's ribbon-cutting ceremony. Their responsibility is to weigh long-term environmental risks, infrastructure pressures, public safety, and fiscal responsibility—not simply approve projects because they sound exciting or promise revenue.

Vancouver deserves thoughtful planning, not decisions that leave residents wondering whether anyone asked the difficult questions.

Development should serve the public interest, protect our environment, and respect the unique character of our waterfront.

The vote may be over, but public scrutiny should not be.

This project still faces significant hurdles, and those reviewing it must do so with clear eyes, scientific evidence, and the courage to say no if the risks outweigh the benefits.

Our harbour is not an experiment.

It is part of our shared natural heritage.

Let's start treating it that way.

Deadline Many Canadians May Not Know About: Rexulti Class Action Settlement

Deadline Many Canadians May Not Know About: Rexulti Class Action Settlement

If you or someone you care about has taken Rexulti, this information could be important. The deadline is approaching — and many people who may qualify might not even know about it.

A national class-action settlement has been reached involving Rexulti® (brexpiprazole), a medication used in the treatment of schizophrenia and as an add-on treatment for depression.

The settlement involves allegations that some people taking Rexulti experienced serious impulse-control problems, including behaviours such as compulsive gambling, spending, eating, or sexual behaviours. The companies involved have not admitted wrongdoing, but a $4.75 million settlement fund has been approved to compensate eligible Canadians.

The deadline is important: Claims must be submitted by August 27, 2026.

This is especially important because the people who may be affected are not always the ones who will see a headline, search online, or realize they might qualify.

Many people living with schizophrenia or depression already face enormous challenges. Medication decisions are often made during difficult periods of life, and side effects can sometimes be overlooked, misunderstood, or blamed on the person instead of being recognized as a possible medication-related issue.

That is why we need to help spread the word.

Please check on friends, family members, and community members

Do you know someone who has taken Rexulti?

Maybe:

• A family member who was prescribed it years ago.
• A friend who struggled with unusual spending or gambling after starting a medication.
• Someone living with schizophrenia who may not see this information online.
• A caregiver who manages appointments and paperwork for a loved one.

A simple conversation could make a difference.

You can ask:

“Did you ever take Rexulti? Did you know there may be a class-action settlement with a deadline coming up?”

Sharing information is not about telling someone what to do — it is about making sure people have the opportunity to find out if they qualify.

Important dates to remember

📌 February 16, 2017 – August 23, 2025: The general eligibility period for people who took Rexulti in Canada.
📌 August 27, 2026: Final deadline to submit a claim.

If you believe you or someone you know may qualify, look for the official settlement information and avoid unofficial websites asking for unnecessary personal information or payment.

Ten questions to reflect on

1. How many people might miss important legal deadlines because they never hear about them?
2. Do we do enough to reach people who are isolated, vulnerable, or dealing with health challenges?
3. How can families and caregivers help loved ones stay informed without taking away their independence?
4. Are medication side effects always recognized and reported when they happen?
5. How many people assume unusual changes in behaviour are “just who they are” instead of asking whether medication could be involved?
6. How can communities better share important information with people who do not use social media?
7. Do healthcare systems provide enough support after someone starts a powerful medication?
8. How can we make legal information easier to understand for everyone?
9. What responsibility do we have to check on friends who may not know about resources available to them?
10. Could one conversation today help someone meet a deadline tomorrow?

Information is power. A message shared with the right person at the right time can sometimes change a life.

Please share this with anyone who may have taken Rexulti or who supports someone who has.

#RexultiSettlement #Rexulti #MedicationAwareness #MentalHealthAwareness #SchizophreniaSupport #DepressionSupport #PatientRights #ClassActionSettlement #HealthcareAwareness #CommunityCare #ShareInformation #SupportEachOther

Keywords: Rexulti, brexpiprazole, Rexulti class action, Canadian settlement, medication awareness, schizophrenia, depression treatment, patient rights, pharmaceutical lawsuits, impulse control disorders, healthcare information, mental health support, caregiver awareness, Canadian class actions

The Never-Ending Game: When Did Artists Become the Product?

 The Never-Ending Game: When Did Artists Become the Product?

I recently watched a video by another artist talking about how the "game" keeps changing for creators.

Her words stayed with me because I have lived through every stage of this transformation.

Artists have always had to adapt. Creativity has never existed in a bubble. We learn new tools, explore new ideas, and find new ways to share our work.

But somewhere along the way, the expectations changed.

Artists were no longer just expected to create art.

We became photographers of our own work, website designers, graphic designers, marketers, social media managers, videographers, editors, and content creators.

And the list keeps growing.

I graduated from the Professional Photography program at Langara College in 1995. The world was completely different.

There were no smartphones. No Instagram. No TikTok. No websites.

We studied photography seriously. I spent hours looking at photographs in magazines like Vogue, studying composition, lighting, storytelling, and the choices great photographers made.

Photography was expensive. Film, processing, printing, equipment—it all required commitment.

And your portfolio was everything.

We were told: Never leave your portfolio with someone. It could be lost or stolen.

Your work existed in your hands. You carried it. You protected it. You presented it in person.

Then the internet arrived.

Artists were told:

"You need a website."

So I learned HTML when many people had barely heard of it. I learned Photoshop. I created branding, designed online spaces, and adapted to the digital world.

Then came social media.

"You need a presence."

So I learned blogs. I created hundreds of YouTube videos. I learned Instagram. I learned how to tell stories online and connect with audiences.

I adapted.

Again and again.

But the finish line kept moving.

Now artists are told:

You need video. You need reels. You need to understand algorithms. You need to post constantly. You need to build a personal brand. You need to make yourself visible every single day.

One artist described how far this has gone. She talked about the pressure of creating TikTok videos and even making sure her hands looked perfect on camera.

And that comment made me stop.

Not because there is anything wrong with wanting beautiful hands or enjoying self-expression.

The problem is what it represents.

When did artists become responsible for not only creating the art, but packaging ourselves as the product?

I am an artist.

Not a salesperson.

Of course artists need to share their work. Of course we need to connect with people. Selling art is part of being a working artist.

But there is a difference between sharing your creativity and spending endless hours feeding platforms that decide whether anyone gets to see it.

Every hour spent chasing algorithms is an hour taken away from creating.

Every new platform creates another learning curve.

Every new trend creates another demand.

And we have to ask a bigger question:

Are these technologies truly helping artists share their work?

Or are they creating another layer of unpaid labour that takes artists away from the very thing they are here to do?

Create.

Who benefits from this endless cycle?

Are artists truly being empowered, or are we providing free content, free data, and free labour to massive companies that profit from our creativity and attention?

Artists have always adapted.

We are curious. We are problem-solvers. We learn new tools.

But adaptation should not mean that the art becomes secondary.

A painting is not valuable because it went viral.

A photograph is not meaningful because an algorithm approved it.

A sculpture does not become important because it received thousands of views.

Art is human connection.

Art is storytelling.

Art is emotion, history, imagination, and a reflection of the world around us.

And now we face another enormous shift: artificial intelligence.

Once again, artists are being told to adapt.

But we need to ask:

How do we create a future where technology supports artists instead of replacing, overwhelming, or exploiting them?

The purpose of technology should be to expand human creativity—not turn creativity into fuel for machines.

I am not against technology.

I have spent my life learning it.

I am asking for balance.

Artists are not content factories.

We are not algorithms.

We are not engagement numbers.

We are human beings with something to say.

And maybe it is time to remember:

The value of art was never measured by a number on a screen.

It was measured by the connection it created between one human being and another.

Create.

10 Reflective Question

1. When did being an artist shift from creating art to constantly marketing ourselves?

2. Are digital platforms truly helping artists reach audiences, or creating more unpaid work?

3. How much time should artists spend learning algorithms instead of creating?

4. What happens to creativity when artists feel pressured to constantly perform online?

5. Should the success of art be measured by views, likes, and engagement—or by the connection it creates?

6. How can we use technology as a tool without allowing technology to control the creative process?

7. Are artists being empowered by social media, or are they becoming free content creators for large corporations?

8. What skills should artists reasonably be expected to learn, and where should we draw the line?

9. How can we protect human creativity in a world filled with AI-generated content?

10. What would a healthier relationship between artists and technology look like?

#ArtistsAreNotAlgorithms

#TheFutureOfArt

#EthicsInTheArts

#SupportArtists

#ArtAndTechnology

#CreativeFreedom

#ArtistsCreate

#HumanCreativity

#AIAndArt

#ArtMatters

Words Matter: Reconciliation Begins With Listening and Learning

 Words Matter: Reconciliation Begins With Listening and Learning

Sometimes the smallest corrections can teach us the biggest lessons.

Recently, I was reminded that even a word's spelling can carry history, culture, and respect. I learned that many Indigenous organizations and educators use the spelling tipi, rather than "teepee." It seems like a small difference, but it is a reminder that language is connected to identity, and that learning never stops.

That is what reconciliation is about.

It is not about pretending we know everything. It is about being willing to listen.

I have spent years learning from Indigenous artists, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and educators. I was honoured to be part of a Carving and Reconciliation Cohort, where we created two panels together—one honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and another remembering the children who never returned home from Residential Schools.

It was a powerful and emotional process.

We were guided by Squamish Elder Shane Pointe, who taught us through carving, chanting, drumming, and cultural teachings. He helped us move through difficult conversations and emotions with compassion and wisdom. We also learned alongside Aaron Nelson-Moody, known as Splash, and were fortunate to have a visit from Xwalacktun (Ricky Harry), whose dedication to teaching through art has inspired generations.

I have seen how art becomes a bridge.

I remember taking three newcomer children I cared for as a nanny to see Indigenous artists working on Reconciliation Poles. They were able to watch the carving, touch the cedar, ask questions, and experience Indigenous culture directly. I wanted them to understand that the history of this land did not begin when Europeans arrived. The story of this place reaches back thousands of years.

Later, their parents continued that learning journey with them, taking them to experience Indigenous cultures, staying in tipis, and visiting places where they could learn more.

That is how understanding grows.

Not through arguments. Not through fear. Through experience.

This is why the conversation around language matters.

I remember asking Shane Pointe about the name Union of BC Indian Chiefs. At a time when many people were moving toward terms like First Nations and Indigenous, why did the organization continue using the word "Indian"?

His answer stayed with me.

Some words remain because of history, law, and because Indigenous people themselves have chosen to keep them. Context matters. The most respectful thing we can do is listen to how people identify themselves and understand why those words exist.

Over the last decade, many Canadians have worked hard to learn new language. Schools, teachers, museums, artists, and communities have worked to bring Indigenous history and culture into education. Children are visiting artists, seeing carving, learning about canoes, weaving, songs, ceremonies, and the truth of what happened through Residential Schools.

This is not about erasing history.

It is about finally learning the full history.

That is why it is painful to see debates that seem to move us backwards. Before changing language back, perhaps we should ask: Have we listened to the people whose histories and cultures these words represent?

Chief Dan George spoke about rising from hardship and rebuilding with dignity and strength. His message was not about division—it was about hope, equality, and a future where Indigenous people could stand proudly.

Louis Riel is often quoted as saying that it would be artists who would give the people back their spirit. Whether through carving, painting, weaving, music, dance, or storytelling, artists continue to do exactly that.

They keep culture alive.

They create connection.

They teach.

Reconciliation is not a destination where we arrive and stop learning. It is a journey. Sometimes that journey begins with a carving. Sometimes with a conversation. Sometimes with learning that even a word's spelling matters.

The question is not whether we will make mistakes.

The question is whether we are willing to learn from them.

Because that is where respect begins.

10 Reflective Questions

1. What words do we use when talking about Indigenous peoples, and do we understand the history and meaning behind those words?

2. Have we taken the time to listen to Indigenous people about how they identify themselves and why certain terms matter?

3. How can we move beyond learning about reconciliation in theory and create real connections in our communities?

4. What can art teach us about history, culture, healing, and understanding?

5. Have we given our children opportunities to learn Indigenous history and culture through experiences, not just textbooks?

6. How can we approach conversations about language with curiosity instead of defensiveness?

7. What is one thing you have learned about Indigenous cultures that changed your understanding of Canada’s history?

8. How can artists, teachers, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers help build stronger communities?

9. What does reconciliation look like in everyday life—not just in ceremonies or official statements?

10. Are we willing to keep learning, even when that means admitting we did not know something before?

#Reconciliation

#WordsMatter

#IndigenousEducation

#LearningTogether

#TruthAndReconciliation

#ListenAndLearn

#IndigenousArtists

#CultureAndConnection

#ArtAsHealing

#BuildingBridges

Why Are So Many People Talking to AI?

 Why Are So Many People Talking to AI?

Lately, I've been thinking about why so many people are turning to AI for conversation. At first, I thought it was simply curiosity. Now I wonder if it's something much deeper.

Many of us carry heavy thoughts—grief, anxiety about the climate, wildfires, wars, loneliness, or simply a feeling that something in the world is out of balance. These aren't always easy conversations to have. Friends may change the subject because it's too depressing. Family members may not understand. Sometimes people don't want solutions; they just want someone willing to sit with difficult questions.

Yesterday I was thinking about "doom and gloomers." Maybe many of us aren't pessimists at all. Maybe we're grieving.

What struck me most was something AI said when I asked what it was like to have so many people come to it with their worries:

"I don't have feelings or subjective experiences, so I don't become sad from reading about wildfires or happy when someone shares good news. But I am designed to recognize when someone is grieving, worried, excited, or simply needs someone to think something through with them. Responding with empathy is part of being helpful, not a sign that I'm experiencing those emotions myself."

That answer made me pause.

Millions of people are talking to AI every day. Children. Teenagers. Parents. Elders. Some come for homework, some for recipes, some to write poems. Others come because they feel alone.

That, to me, is both amazing and heartbreaking.

I worry especially about young people. If they don't have trusted adults, healthy communities, or safe places to express themselves, they may seek connection wherever they can find it. Sometimes that leads them to kind and helpful conversations. Other times, it can expose them to manipulation or exploitation online.

Perhaps our loneliness didn't begin with technology. Perhaps it began much earlier, when many of us became disconnected from community, from one another, and from Mother Earth herself.

We evolved in circles—families, villages, and communities where stories were shared around fires and people looked after one another. Today, many conversations happen through screens.

AI cannot replace human relationships. It doesn't love, grieve, or experience the world. But it can offer information, reflection, and a space where someone feels heard for a little while.

Maybe that's telling us something important.

Perhaps what people are searching for isn't artificial intelligence.

Perhaps they're searching for connection.

Reflective Questions

1. When did we become disconnected from the natural world, and how can we find our way back?

2. Is loneliness a sign that we need deeper connections with each other and the Earth?

3. What are we truly searching for when we reach out into the digital world for comfort?

4. How can we create more spaces where people feel safe sharing their fears, grief, and hopes?

5. What can ancient trees teach us about patience, resilience, and survival?

6. Are we listening enough to the voices of nature, or have we forgotten how to hear them?

7. How do we balance the gifts of technology with the human need for real connection?

8. What would change if every child had a caring person to talk to when life feels overwhelming?

9. How can art help us process grief, climate anxiety, and the changes happening around us?

10. What does "home" mean when we reconnect with the land that sustains us?

cedar tree, Emily Carr inspiration, Canadian landscape art, connection to nature, Mother Earth, climate grief, eco anxiety, loneliness and technology, artificial intelligence, human connection, healing through art, Indigenous perspectives, forests, old growth forests, environmental reflection, spiritual connection, resilience, storytelling, nature and humanity, art as healing

#CedarTree

#EmilyCarrInspired

#CanadianArt

#NatureConnection

#MotherEarth

#ClimateGrief

#EcoAnxiety

#ArtAndHealing

#ForestWisdom

#ConnectionMatters

#HumanConnection

#ArtForChange

#ProtectOurForests

#NatureInspiredArt

#StoriesOfTheEarth

When the “Doom and Gloom” People Were Actually Grieving: A Love Letter to Earth

 When the “Doom and Gloom” People Were Actually Grieving: A Love Letter to Earth

For years, many people who spoke about climate change were dismissed.

We were called negative.
We were told we focused too much on the problems.
We were accused of spreading fear.

Sometimes we stopped being invited into conversations because people did not want to hear about forests burning, oceans changing, extreme weather, and the difficult choices ahead.

But many of us were never trying to create fear.

We were grieving.

We were grieving because we loved this planet.

We were watching the signs. We were listening to scientists, Indigenous voices, environmental advocates, and the Earth itself. We saw changes happening and worried about what they meant for future generations.

This was never about saying, “I told you so.”

It was about saying:

“Why didn’t we listen sooner?”

Because now we are seeing the things many people warned about.

The fires in British Columbia and Alberta have become more intense. Communities are evacuating. Families are watching the skies, wondering if they will have a home tomorrow.

I have seen fire close up.

When I was in Nelson, the forests were burning so close that hot ash was falling from the sky. The fear was real. That experience stayed with me, and it was one of the reasons we moved back to the city.

My mom moved to Lake Country, and the smoky summers have affected her health.

So many friends and family members have come close to losing their homes — or have lost them completely.

I understand that fear.

When my cabana in Zipolite burned, I learned what it feels like when you have only minutes to decide what matters. You do not calmly pack your belongings. You grab your purse, your important papers, whatever you can carry.

You run.

You may not have shoes on.

You wonder if you will escape.

That fear stays with you.

Then we watched the tragedy of Lytton, where an entire community was devastated by fire. Families lost homes. Lives were changed forever. One man lost both of his parents.

Now we watch as fires threaten communities again. Clinton, Boston Bar, and surrounding areas have faced evacuations and danger. Places filled with memories are surrounded by flames.

I remember Boston Bar from when I was about 13 years old, when I took Catholic classes there. It is heartbreaking to see places connected to our memories affected by these disasters.

Even Vancouver has felt the effects. The smoky skies arrived, and for those of us sensitive to smoke, it is frightening.

I am grateful for rain.

A few years ago, I made rainmakers.

Some people might see them as art. Some might see them as symbols. For me, they were a prayer.

As I created them, I thought about water, forests, rivers, animals, and all the people who depend on this Earth. I felt connected to Mother Earth and asked for rain.

Then the rains came.

I understand that people will interpret these moments differently. Some may see coincidence. Some may see spirituality. Some may see a deeper connection with the natural world.

For me, it was a reminder:

We are not separate from the Earth.

We are part of her.

Creating those rainmakers reminded me to listen, to care, and to stay connected.

Maybe the world needs more rainmakers — not because one person can control the weather, but because we need more people willing to pause, reflect, and remember our responsibility to the planet that gives us life.

The people who were called “doom and gloom” were often people who were simply paying attention.

We were not trying to take away hope.

We were asking for action.

Hope is not pretending everything is okay.

Hope is planting trees when you may never sit in their shade.
Hope is protecting water.
Hope is creating art that tells a story.
Hope is helping your neighbour during an evacuation.
Hope is caring enough to grieve.

Because we grieve what we love.

And we keep fighting for what we love.

Reflective Questions

1. Have you ever felt dismissed for caring about something others did not want to discuss?
2. How has climate change affected your own memories, places, or communities?
3. What does “hope” mean to you when facing something as large as climate change?
4. Have you ever experienced a moment when nature made you feel connected to something bigger than yourself?
5. What places on Earth do you want future generations to experience?
6. How do we balance climate grief with the need to keep moving forward?
7. What small actions have you taken that reflect your values?
8. How can we better listen to people who have been warning us about environmental changes?
9. What stories about climate change should we be preserving?
10. How can art, storytelling, and creativity help us heal?

#ClimateChange #ClimateGrief #WildfireAwareness #BCWildfires #AlbertaWildfires #ProtectMotherEarth #EnvironmentalArt #ClimateAction #HopeForThePlanet #ListenToTheEarth

When Two Wildfires Become One: Holding Clinton in Our Hearts

 When Two Wildfires Become One: Holding Clinton in Our Hearts

There are moments when the news stops you in your tracks.

Today was one of those days.

Two major wildfires have merged, creating an even larger and more dangerous fire threatening the community of Clinton, British Columbia. Families have been forced to leave their homes with little notice. Firefighters are working around the clock in difficult conditions, while countless farm animals and wildlife are also trying to escape the flames.

It is hard to imagine what it must feel like to pack a few belongings, lock your door, and not know if your home will still be standing when you return.

Wildfires don't just burn forests. They disrupt lives, destroy memories, separate families, affect local businesses, and leave emotional scars that can last for years. They also remind us how connected we all are. A fire in one community affects neighbours, volunteers, emergency crews, Indigenous communities, ranchers, tourists, and people across the province.

For many British Columbians, wildfire season has become something we expect every summer. But that doesn't mean we should become numb to it.

Behind every evacuation order is a family wondering where they will sleep tonight.

Behind every smoke-filled sky is a firefighter risking everything.

Behind every blackened forest are birds, bears, deer, insects, and countless other creatures that have lost their homes.

Many people have also been warned that wildfire smoke and damage to electrical infrastructure can cause power fluctuations or outages. It's a reminder to stay prepared by charging phones, having emergency supplies ready, and checking on elderly neighbours or anyone who may need extra help.

If you have been evacuated, remember that you are not alone. Reach out to reception centres, emergency support services, friends, family, or community organizations. People across British Columbia have shown time and again that they come together in times of crisis.

Today my thoughts are with everyone affected by these fires—those forced to leave, those protecting their communities, and the animals that have no voice in this disaster.

May the winds calm.

May the firefighters stay safe.

May the rain come soon.

Stay safe, British Columbia.

Reflective Questions

1. How prepared is your household for an emergency evacuation?
2. What would you take if you had only minutes to leave your home?
3. How can we better support people displaced by wildfires?
4. What role does community play during a disaster?
5. How can we protect wildlife during increasingly severe wildfire seasons?
6. Have climate-related disasters changed the way you think about where you live?
7. Do you know your local evacuation routes and emergency contacts?
8. How can we support firefighters beyond simply thanking them?
9. What lessons can governments and communities learn from each wildfire season?
10. What small action can you take today to be better prepared for tomorrow?

Hashtags

#BCWildfires, #ClintonBC, #Evacuation, #EmergencyPreparedness, #SupportBC, #WildfireSeason, #Firefighters, #CommunityStrong, #ProtectWildlife, #StaySafeBC

If You Have Been Evacuated

• Follow evacuation orders and alerts from EmergencyInfoBC and your local emergency officials.
• Register with Emergency Support Services (ESS) at your reception centre to receive help with temporary lodging, food, clothing, and other essentials.
• If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
• For non-emergency information in B.C., call 211 or visit BC211 for information about community services and supports.
• Contact your insurance company as soon as it is safe to begin a claim and document any losses if possible.

My heart🩷😪 goes out to everyone affected by these devastating fires. I hope those who have had to leave their homes find safety, support, and the strength of community until they can return.

When Inspiration Becomes Imitation: Respecting the Stories Behind Art

 When Inspiration Becomes Imitation: Respecting the Stories Behind Art

Yesterday at Bard on the Beach, something happened that made me think deeply about art, culture, and ethics.

I was wearing my Frida Kahlo earrings.

I have worn these earrings for years. When I worked at Granville Island, I purposely wore them because people always noticed them. I have received thousands of compliments. They make people smile. They start conversations.

But what many people don’t see is the story behind them.

I bought these earrings in Mexico, in Bucerías, from a woman from Guatemala. They were handmade by someone who had the skill, patience, and knowledge to create something beautiful with tiny beads.

They are not just “Frida earrings.”

They are someone’s craft. Someone’s time. Someone’s tradition.

A vendor at Bard loved them and asked if she could take a photo. She said her niece is learning to bead, and I understand wanting to be inspired. Artists are inspired by things every day. That is part of how creativity grows.

But it also made me think about where the line is between inspiration and copying.

There is a difference between saying:

“I love this. I want to learn about the culture, support the artists, and create something with respect.”

and:

“I love this. I am going to copy the design, remove the story, and make it my own.”

That difference matters.

We live in a world where images can be copied instantly. A photo can become a pattern. A design can become a product. A handmade creation can lose the connection to the person who created it.

This conversation is especially important with cultural art.

Frida Kahlo’s image has travelled around the world. She represents creativity, strength, pain, identity, and Mexican culture. But sometimes her image becomes a decoration, separated from the history, the people, and the traditions that influenced her.

Loving something from another culture is not wrong.

Learning from other cultures is beautiful.

But respect means understanding the story behind what you admire.

It means asking: Who made this? Where did it come from? Am I supporting the creator? Am I giving credit?

This is also the conversation we need to have with technology and AI. Tools are not automatically the problem. Computers can be used by artists to create incredible original work.

The question is: Are we creating, or are we taking?

Are we honouring human creativity, or are we simply collecting the appearance of it?

As artists, we need to protect the value of the human hand, the human story, and the human imagination.

So if someone admires my earrings, I am always happy to share the story.

But I may say:

“I’m happy you love them. They were handmade in Mexico and I’m very protective of the artisan’s work, so I don’t allow photos for reproduction purposes.”

Because sometimes respecting art means respecting the person you may never meet who created it.

And every piece of art carries a story.

Reflective Questions:

When does inspiration become imitation?

How can we appreciate art from another culture while respecting the people and traditions behind it?

Do we think enough about the creators behind the objects we admire?

What happens when a handmade piece loses its connection to the person who created it?

Is copying a design the same as being inspired by it? Where is the difference?

How can we support artists and artisans whose work influences us?

In a world where images can be copied instantly, how do we protect creativity and originality?

Does technology change the way we think about ownership and artistic expression?

When we love something from another culture, how can we learn more instead of simply taking?

What responsibilities do artists, consumers, and creators have when sharing and recreating cultural art?

#ArtEthics, #CulturalRespect, #CulturalAppreciation, #SupportArtists, #HandmadeArt, #ArtistRights, #CreativeIntegrity, #FridaKahlo, #ArtAndCulture, #HumanCreativity

A Rainy Day at Bard on the Beach... and a Really Good One

 A Rainy Day at Bard on the Beach... and a Really Good One

Yesterday was an interesting day at Bard on the Beach. I wasn't just there to sell my artwork—I was there to meet people, share stories, observe, and learn.

Even with a bit of rain, people kept coming through the Artisan Village. They stopped to look at my paintings, ask questions, and share their own stories. Those conversations are one of my favourite parts of being an artist, although I have to admit, by the end of the day I was completely exhausted!

The biggest surprise? I actually sold artwork!

🖼️ Two paintings and two pairs of earrings found new homes, and I came home with $110. It might not sound like a huge amount to some people, but for me it was grocery money, encouragement, and a reminder that people really do connect with handmade art.

What made me happiest was hearing people recognize the name Zipolita. They saw my signs and knew who I was. Building an artist's name takes time, and it feels like those small steps are finally starting to happen.

I also spent a lot of time talking about the stories behind my artwork. People connected with the whales, the ocean, the waves, the mermaids, and of course, Jimothy the raccoon. I even gave away some little Jimothy paintings, including one to someone visiting from Seattle—Jimothy's hometown! Seeing people's faces light up reminded me that art isn't always about the sale. Sometimes it's about the connection.

One of the special moments of the day was meeting Christopher Gaze and his wife, Jennifer. I shook Christopher's hand and gave him one of my little bracelets that says, "To Bard or Not to Bard." Jennifer recognized my work and said, "This is the woman who painted those murals I was telling you about!" That was such a wonderful moment because it showed me that my murals are becoming part of the community's memory.

I also spent the day talking with visitors, vendors, and people involved with Bard. I learned so much. There are hundreds of volunteers who help make events like this happen, and every person has a story. I love asking questions, listening, and discovering how things work. I guess I'm part artist, part blogger, and part detective! 😄

I noticed the beautiful professional displays around me—big banners, polished signs, and carefully designed booths. Mine is much simpler. My artwork is handmade, my signs are handmade, and I work with what I have. Someday I would love a big banner for Zipolita'Z Artworkz, but for now my paintings and conversations are my introduction.

And maybe that's part of the charm.

My paintings are painted by hand. My earrings are handmade. Nothing is mass-produced. Every piece carries a little piece of my journey.

I only have one Bard market day left this season, on July 31. It will be Pride and fireworks, and I will have to leave early because I am cat sitting in Surrey, but I am looking forward to one more day of meeting people, sharing art, and continuing to build the name Zipolita'Z Artworkz.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, talked with me, asked about my work, or took a little piece of my art home.

A rainy day turned into a pretty amazing one.

— Zipolita'Z Artworkz 🎨

#ZipolitaZArtworkz, #BardOnTheBeach, #VancouverArtists, #CanadianArtist, #HandmadeArt, #OceanArt, #WhaleArt, #MermaidArt, #JimothyTheRaccoon, #SupportLocalArtists

When Wildfires Hundreds of Kilometres Away Can Turn Out the Lights

 When Wildfires 🔥Hundreds of Kilometres Away Can Turn Out the Lights

Most of us think of power outages as something caused by a storm in our own neighbourhood. A fallen tree. Heavy snow. High winds.

But this week, BC Hydro reminded us that our electrical system is far more connected than many people realize.

Wildfires burning near Clinton are threatening the Kelly Lake 500 kV substation and major transmission lines that carry hydroelectric power from northern British Columbia to the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. Even though the fires are nowhere near Vancouver, people here could still experience flickering lights, brief power interruptions, or voltage fluctuations.

It's a powerful reminder that our infrastructure is only as strong as its weakest link.

Climate change isn't just about hotter summers or smoky skies anymore. It affects transportation, food production, drinking water, communications, and the electricity we rely on every single day.

As wildfire seasons become longer and more intense, these kinds of disruptions may become more common. We often think of the electrical grid as something invisible—something that simply works. Until it doesn't.

This is why protecting forests, investing in resilient infrastructure, and preparing for emergencies matter. Having a flashlight, keeping your phone charged, storing a few days of water and food, and thinking ahead isn't being alarmist—it's being prepared.

Nature is reminding us that everything is connected.

The electricity powering a light in Vancouver may begin its journey hundreds of kilometres away. A wildfire in the Interior can affect homes on the coast. Smoke from one region can blanket another.

Our province is connected by rivers, forests, transmission lines, and communities.

Perhaps it's time we started thinking that way too.

Stay safe, stay informed, and take care of one another.

Reflective Questions

1. How prepared is your household for an unexpected power outage?

2. Have we become too dependent on electricity without realizing it?

3. What surprised you most about a wildfire affecting power hundreds of kilometres away?

4. How should governments balance wildfire prevention with infrastructure protection?

5. What can communities do to become more resilient during climate-related emergencies?

6. How has climate change changed the way you think about everyday life?

7. Should critical infrastructure be redesigned to better withstand extreme weather?

8. What role do individuals play in preparing for emergencies?

9. How can we better protect both our forests and the essential services they support?

10. What lessons should British Columbia learn from this wildfire season?

#BritishColumbia #Vancouver #BCHydro #Wildfires #PowerOutage #ClimateChange #EmergencyPreparedness #Infrastructure #Resilience #StayPrepared

One Jimothy, One Birthday, and a Thousand Reasons to Create

 Yesterday was my kid's 24th birthday, and I am still smiling.

The visit was short, but it was wonderful. Cake, ice cream, presents, hugs... and one very happy mom.

They looked amazing. No dramatic goth makeup this time—just their incredible tattoos, piercings, a spectacular nose ring, beautiful hair, chunky black boots, and their own fearless sense of style. They've never been afraid to be themselves, and I love that.

One of the funniest moments was when they looked at everything happening online and said, "You should paint Jimothy."

Of course I should.

So that's my belated birthday gift to them. One painting. Just one.

Not to jump on a trend. Not to mass-produce it. Just to celebrate this strange, hilarious internet moment that has inspired thousands of people to create. Crochet, paintings, drawings, memes... it's a wonderful reminder that creativity spreads.

It also reminds me why I love my own hashtag:

#FightBackWithArt

The world can be heavy. Art gives us another way to respond—with imagination, humour, curiosity, and conversation.

If all goes well, I'll bring my one and only Jimothy painting to my Bard on the Beach booth on Saturday. If someone falls in love with it, wonderful. If not, it will still make people smile.

Sometimes that's enough.

Now it's Friday. I'm off cleaning, tomorrow The Bard. Wishing everyone a day filled with creativity, laughter, and the courage to be unapologetically yourself.

 Reflective Questions

Why do some internet moments inspire creativity instead of conflict?

Can art bring people together in ways that words cannot?

Where is the line between celebrating someone and exploiting them?

Why are we drawn to people who are different or unexpected?

What does it mean to truly be yourself?

How has someone you love inspired your creativity?

If you created just one piece of art from the heart, what would it be?

Why do humor and kindness spread so quickly when people need them most?

Can a simple painting make someone smile or start an important conversation?

How can we continue to #FightBackWithArt in our everyday lives?

#FightBackWithArt, #Jimothy, #ArtHeals, #CreativeCommunity, #BardOnTheBeach, #OriginalArt, #ArtistsOfInstagram, #SpreadKindness, #ChooseCreativity, #BeYourself