Artisan Spotlight: Photographer David Elliott. "A Simple Life"
David Elliott has a distinct perspective when it comes to capturing life through a lens. David’s work reflects a spirited essence moulded by a variety of inspirations. Starting with his roots, David’s Great Grandfather, Photographer CD Hoy, instilled a great respect in him for embracing humanity through film. David also draws from his 15 years as a professional model which infuses his style with a behind the scenes understanding of textures, angles and compositions, not to mention the irreplaceable influence from leading artistic visionaries he has met along his path. Glancing through his many pieces you can clearly see his love for people, food, travel, the arts and above all his vision of a “simple life”. http://davidrephotography.4ormat.com
We asked David to take on the RTV “It takes a Village” challenge and were grateful to receive his interpretation of the proverb. Here are some of his worldly responses: “This photo reflects that at a very young age, children start learning the trades of their parents and begin early contributions to their families.
I "see" community as a group of people working to create a better environment and in turn opening greater opportunities for others. Primarily focused on South East Asia and the Himalayas, I find each country to be uniquely different, yet there are a number of commonalities. Resources such as fishing, farming, crafts and tourism provide many of the people with a means to survive- seemingly life after that is about families. A strong set of basic values, hard work and a solid community bring these people a life of happiness. Aspiring to capture life in its rawest state, I view REALITY whether it a harsh or joyous portrayal, important for us and our children to gain a strong perspective in values and humanity. To travel, learn cultures, share moments and hear the stories of the people you meet along the way is simply magical.” David’s thoughts on the "Simple Life": working for what we need and not for needless wants.
You can contact David through his website http://davidrephotography.4ormat.com or at dr.elliott@gmail.com
Raising the Village posed two questions to professional artist and sculptor Tamas Zalatnai which sent him reeling on a reflective creative journey focused on capturing “village”. It was a simple, yet profound, drawing by his Grandson that brought him to a place of seeing pure “village” beauty.
How do you see Community?
For one, who has moved about 40 times in the past 41 years, this idea of community has not had much chance to crystallize. I might be one of those, who consider the whole world "Home". Born and raised in the "village" Budapest (over 2 million inhabitants) was undoubtedly a great start. Post war central Europe combined with the brutal communist takeover during my childhood showed me the best and worst, people are capable of. The one and only constant positive factor was the "family nucleus".
How did you capture “village” in an artistic design?
"Art" is broad enough and open enough that it can capture "anything". While I was procrastinating over some designs, my partner Colleen pointed out a drawing on my wall made by my grandson Tommy at the ripe age of four (he is now 17). I just couldn’t think of anything else that could capture what connecting is all about. The use of "stickmen" leaves out all the nastiness that can make life miserable. This is the purest form of unconditional love; gender-neutral, no race, no religion, no politics, no color. Just simple joy and love of holding hands! The word Grandma is reaching over from one to the other as some kind of protecting umbrella, while Tommy is there to receive, and give love.With the consent of the artist (Tommy) I made his drawing into a "generic" design, with a blank space on the back, should somebody wish to dedicate it to a loved one. Tamas can be reached at zalatnai@telus.net or you can view his work at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomomcats
Glass Artist – Dena Carroll
Dena Carroll, is a member of the Chippewa of First Nations Band in Cape Croker Ontario. She now resides with her husband in Victoria BC where they have raised two children. In her professional life, Dena is a strong advocate for Aboriginal children's issues. Dena also loves trail running and learning about different cultures through traveling. Her passion involves making glass art. To view her artistic talents check out www.denacarroll.ca
How does your Bookmark tie into your vision of community/village building?
Bookmarks help personalize books and lend new respect to books. Knowledge and literacy help to strengthen and move communities and villages forward. Each bookmark is unique and speaks to the individual interests of the person, whether they are part of a running, sewing, reading, children's community, cycling, bird watching, golfing or book reading community.
The focus of this feature bookmark characterizes several aspects of "raising a village for the author". One bead stands for the larger global "green community". The next bead signifies "communal fishing" where our resources are shared with one another at the community level and also supports the community/village approach to "teaching others to fish" as a way to strengthen communities. The end markers of "passion" and "hope" represents our responsibility to help one another and our commitment to strive to move forward to build stronger, healthier communities and villages for the future.
What personally brings you a sense of community?
I want to be part of a collective movement with the aim of building a better world for our children and future generations. I believe in a world where people of all ages are loved, accepted and respected for who they are and what they are capable of becoming. A sense of community is also the strong connection to the land and the vibrant people who have created its history.
Artist/Carver – Kelly Clydesdale
Kelly is an artist, carver and father of two whose artistic style is influenced by the West Coast of BC and spectacular scenery it offers. As a fan of the beaches of Tofino, Kelly is drawn to the natural energy that stirs within the waves. This influence of nature combined with the question - “what is community for you?” - are melded into this stunning necklace entitled Together We Can Weather Any Storm.
Carved from bone, the waves in this necklace represent the coming together of people; the heart joins the waves together symbolizing community. For Kelly, the essence of community can be found in our actions: it is the selfless act of giving and helping that evoke a unified feeling. He is inspired from his own experience of community and what happens when people rally together around an individual or family. One such experience for the Clydesdale’s occurred in 2005/2006 when Kelly’s son had serious medical issues which resulted in brain surgery at BC Children's Hospital. During this emotional time the Clydesdales received an outpouring of support from family, friends and even strangers from their community. The actions of others demonstrated that “together we can truly weather any storm.” In return the Clydesdale family have become active fundraisers and supporters of others.
Order your community-inspired necklace by emailing Kelly or join the Facebook page “Have a Heart”.
Consider giving this necklace to a community champion who has touched your heart, to someone who has shown a passion for early child development, or to someone who may be struggling through their own challenging time.
Early Years Community Developers can relate to the message of “together we can weather any storm.” People working in communities know that is is not always easy, “it is collaborative and transformational at the best of times, and messy, complicated and difficult at the worst.” (Raising the Village, pg 9) This necklace reminds us that working together in community (the heart) is the only way to persevere through the challenges.
Kelly was born and raised in the city of Port Alberni, British Columbia. Although he was always inspired by the rugged beauty of Vancouver island, his true inspiration originated from the island of Oahu. A simple gift of a necklace which he treasured piqued Kelly’s curiosity to explore his own artistic abilities. Experimenting with a coconut shell, he carved his first heart shaped necklace as a gift to his wife. He never dreamed this would be the beginning of a new journey.
In addition to the coconut shell, Kelly also hand carves his pieces from exotic African purple heart wood and more recently, bone. Since the heart, Kelly has designed many new pieces: each one is individual and unique.
Kelly enjoys playing hockey and is an avid fisherman. He is most fulfilled when spending time with his wife and two sons. His best days are spent creating the latest Lego masterpiece with his boys; encouraging and inspiring them in their own artistic pursuits.
A poem, written by Duane Jackson
Regional Aboriginal Coordinator Success by 6
Regional BC Children First Coordinator
(thank you! He wrote this during a workshop we were presenting)
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