V.I. Eyes
By Heather Froese I’ve always been inspired by photography. My earliest inspiration came from my older sister, Elizabeth, who was always taking sneaky candid photos of me before I could see the camera and pull my silliest face to annoy her. But I wasn’t her only subject. Growing up on Vancouver Island also provided her […]
When Trees Tell Stories
By Sheena Robinson Photo top: seawolfadventures.ca Walking through the forests of Vancouver Island, it’s easy to become entranced by the density and beauty of the tall trees towering above you. Douglas Fir, Sitka Spruce, Western Hemlock, and Western Red Cedar are the most common coniferous giants here. They are a big part of what makes […]
A Caravan on the High Seas
By Caileigh Broatch If you find yourself wandering along the northern end of the Harbourfront Walkway in downtown Nanaimo, just past the Yacht Club and before you reach Departure Bay, turn your sights offshore and you might think that Jack Sparrow has sailed into town. Thankfully, there’s a three-foot banner to correct you: The Amara Zee isn’t […]
Watchguards in the Walbran
By Rob Wilson “RESCIND 4424!” reads a hand-painted banner adorning the plywood wall of the camp’s kitchen and main shelter. It’s a crudely constructed building made of 2x4s, tarps, and ropes, standing a few metres from the Walbran River bridge. Inside are cluttered tables and counters piled with power tools, a 3,000 Watt power inverter, pots and […]
Living Small, Thinking Big
By Jessie Zhang In 1999, Jay Shafer, an American house designer, and owner of a 96 sq. foot home, published his first article on the merits of simple, compact living. Since then, the tiny home movement has spread throughout North America. Kate Beddows and Nico Rhodes are two of its Vancouver Island proponents. Video produced […]
Private Function (Part Two)
Sarah is jumping with excitement when we wrap up there. She drags me over to the sandwich table again. The next workshop, she explains, is by the man who runs “Bound2Please” — a Vancouver Island based company that makes floggers and restraints. She works for him, enjoys working with the leather and suede. His name […]
Gutenberg 2.0 (Part Two)
For writers reluctant to sell their autographed first edition of Tolkien’s Smith of Wootton Major to finance their authorial endeavours, a new form of self-publishing has emerged over the last five years. E-publishing is an immensely growing business model, and a big cause of consternation within the industry. But it is also the cause of much delight. Hille calls this […]