Natasha Lavdovsky
Natasha (Tasha) Lavdovsky is a neurodivergent artist & amateur lichenologist, who grew up in Traditional Tsawout First Nation unceded territory (in so-called BC). In 2009
Natasha (Tasha) Lavdovsky is a neurodivergent artist & amateur lichenologist, who grew up in Traditional Tsawout First Nation unceded territory (in so-called BC). In 2009
This festival invites youth (under 18) to explore solutions to the Climate Crisis, green technology and nature-based solutions, (eg. Miyawaki tiny forests.) Workshops are offered
Virginia is a public and installation artist, currently working in Petawawa, Omàmìwininìwag -Algonquin territory. She is interested in forging a language rooted in her connection with family and the earth. Exploring the marrying of food into art with growing biological forms enveloping foraged local plant life, creating with the context of walking gently. Conversations mingle with the honouring of culture, family and connection to the land in a collaborative public walking tour of sculptures, stories and songs with traditional knowledge keepers Trish Nadjiwon-Meekins, Susan Staves (Schank) in Owen Sound of the Saukiing Anishnaabekiing (SON). She also may use a climate language of cardboard and plastic to initiate dialogue on what is next for us and the earth. Her ancestors reside in England and the Ukraine.
Vulnerability and resiliency have been key themes in my 45 year career as a sculptor and a painter. Since the early 2000’s, I have been inspired by others including my friend Alanna Mitchell, author of Seasick: the Crisis of the Global Oceans and my network of Blackfoot women elders to explore human impact on the environment. As such, I’ve delved into the world of plankton, the Ponderosa Pine (a recent collaboration with poet Nancy Holmes) and its struggle to survive amidst the increasing presence of fires in Western Canada. I am intrigued by the intricate tangle of nature. My most recent installation, “SALVAGE: remnants of hope and despair”, featured at the The Art Gallery of Alberta in 2019-2020, reflected my deep need to explore the question of how to survive when everything around us collapses. This large installation, which had its first “performance” 40 years ago, is the connective tissue in much of my work and has literally grown alongside me as I’ve grown and struggled as a woman and an activist over decades. Interestingly, this massive piece just barely preceded the onslaught of Covid and continues to resonate as we attempt to regroup and move forward. I am currently working on its next format as well as continuing my painting explorations.
Chantal Chagnon is a Cree / Métis Singer, Drummer, Artist, Storyteller, Actor, Educator, Workshop Facilitator, Social Justice Advocate and Activist with roots in Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, Saskatchewan. She shares Traditional Indigenous Songs, Stories, Culture, History, Arts, Indigenous Craftsmanship and Teachings. Chantal has presented in Classrooms from Preschool through University and Professional, Community, and Social Justice Events and Gatherings. Chantal aims to entertain, engage, enlighten, educate, and inspire everyone she meets.
Jennifer Ireland is a research based, multi-medium artist, working to question with wonder; ways of knowing and ways of being in land. Ireland strives to make work that is mindful of situation, site, context, and access. This ethic is found in her work through materials and methods which are often light, sustainable and provisional. Ireland’s practice ranges from drawing, photography, video, and sculpture, to site-sensitive installation and performance. Each of their works strives to operate as speculative wayfinding in this Anthropocenic time.
The Climate Art Web (CAW-WAC) is a grassroots network that brings together climate artists living in northern Turtle Island (Canada).
