Sunrises On A Finished Banner

 Monday early morning in July of 2011. I worked out in the hot sun for five days completing the biggest banner I had ever made at the time. 

Sunday night I sat at the campfire waiting for the sun to rise to take this picture on Pope's Hill. I'm really happy with the way it turned out. 

People were still dancing long after the concerts ended. 

After the mini photo shoot I curled up into a little exhausted ball and waited for my mom to pick me up and take me home. 

A Place Of Beauty

The summer of 2011 was very productive for me. One of my trips took me to Victoria BC. 

Bre, a fantastic woman I met at the Pan Canadian Feminist Gathering invited me to make a banner with her and local activist groups. 

While there I stayed with Renay, one of the most interesting and awesome feminists I've ever met.  Her home was a space of pure beauty. 

When ever I think of a place of refuge, somewhere to rejuvenate my spirit. I think of her and my time spent in Victoria. 

The spring and early summer had been packed with the gathering (I was part of the main group hosting), writing and directing my film Dreamcatcher and creating a 20 foot banner for the first time at the Winnipeg Folk Festival. It was all satisfying work but emotionally exhausting.

I found it reassuring to be called an artist and have my work appreciated. 

Part of my experience at the folk festival and the gathering left me feeling like what I was doing wasn't making any sort of difference. That I was putting myself out there in potential danger for little to no pay off. 

Before I visited B.C. I wondered if what I was creating and the intent of my work was getting through to people. That's something I still wonder time to time. It is part of the reason I've been reluctant and nervous to continue with this blog and post regularly. 

But the people I met in Victoria helped me realize that what I do is valid. That I create a unique dialogue and experience on the topic of violence against women.  I just have to remind myself that every once in awhile. 

A Lovely Little Note

While I was making a banner at the Winnipeg Folk Festival Campground in 2011 my friend Sarah slipped this into my tent. She was at a workshop and I'm not sure on the details but she gave little love notes to all the people she was camping with. 

I had barely filled the banner and had to take a break. After a long hot day in the sun I found this lovely message in my tent. It was such a delightful surprise. My whole being felt so much lighter. 

This was the fantastic view I had of the campground around me. 

The Beginning Of A Banner

Taken in 2012 the night before the Winnipeg Comic Con.

Whenever I begin a new banner one of my technical problems is finding the space for prep work. 

This is the storage room at Urban Shaman Art Gallery. We were there late after one of the galleries openings. 

After I painted in the lettering and pulled up the cloth I saw this. 

 I like that I branded the floor with this message. And nobody at the gallery minded. 

WINNIPEG RALLY FOR GAZA 2: JULY 19, 2014

 

 

Here are some of the photos I took earlier today.

 

Below is my Step-father Darrell Rankin and my three nephews Asher, Roscoe and Linkon.

 

 

The rally took place at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights

Monday, September 29, 2008

I have had an interesting journey making the first Men’s Banner shown in a previous post. It is an example banner. One I bring with me everywhere when I talk to groups or march in rallies. My next few of posts will be of my experience making the first banner in 2008.

From left to right
Sid Rashid (UMSU Vice President)
Thane Carr (My older brother and UMASA member)
Brock Campbell (UMASA Co-President)
Clayton Thomas (UMASA Co-Event’s Coordinator)
Jonny Sopotiuk (UMSU President)

Monday, September 29 was the official day I started the banner. I set up in the hallway of University Centre at the University of Manitoba. I had asked several students from different organizations on campus to be the first to have their hands on the banner.

Later on in the day Mitch Tripple (UMSU Vice President) placed his hand on the banner.

I was very optimistic about this project. I thought the banner would be covered quickly and that I would need another one before the Christmas break.
To me asking men to promise not to commit an act of violence seemed a simple request. That anyone would want to lend a hand.