The object of this installation was to transform the grey cement seating blocks of the new Hackett Park Amphitheatre into an attractive, inviting, inspirational space. I started by applying a white primer coat, just like an artist’s canvas. After that came the base coats which are a gradient. Each block is unique with greens and earthy tones on the edge blocks, shifting and becoming brighter towards the middle. Community volunteers, from the very young (with some supervision) to seniors and experienced artists, then came out to paint patterns of their choice in lighter colours, thereby created a monochromatic effect within each block. (Some stencils were available for inspiration, paper for planning and chalk for participants to plan their design before going at it with paint.) This was a fun and exciting activity. We are all so pleased with the results which combine individual expression with an overall cohesive appearance. Next, to connect the blocks they were overlaid by a larger and darker pattern with a theme of frequencies. This started with waves on the lowest row and DNA on the second row. Higher up a braided pattern and block shaped tapestry were introduced to interrupt the horizontal block pattern, and then algorithms were added. Basically our reality is made up of waves, sound waves, light waves, frequencies, patterns and algorithms. We are also all connected symbolized by the tree roots, mycelium network linking directly to the heartbeat and then onto the next tree. The final step was to add an element of she shashishalhem in the form of words and phrases related to greetings and gatherings. We had a workshop with Rita Poulsen on June 27th to learn how to properly pronounce some phrases in she shashishalhem and to collaborate on which words we wanted to include in the mural. I am grateful to the Sechelt Nation for their cooperation and guidance with this. The she shashishalhem phrases are sprinkled throughout on the blocks, to be viewed when seated and from a closer distance. (The stencils created are reusable so that the language can be put elsewhere in the community. After the mural they would be donated.) On the smaller end blocks there is a QR code that links to my website with explanation and a time lapse video. There is also a link to shishalh.com where anyone can go to learn how to pronounce the greeting phrases and other she shashishalhem words including the (new?) road signs. I feel that is the missing link, language needs to not only be seen, but also heard; and then it can be learned! The overall design reveals a heart when you are looking from the perspective of the stage. Here the viewer will see how everything connects, the trees are growing into the mural, and there is a heart shape that emerges with a heartbeat pattern (another frequency.) From other vantage points you will not see the whole image.
