Power Shift BC was one of the most inspiring events for me of this year. The gathering is organized by youth for youth to focus on climate justice. The event took place in early October in Victoria, Coast Salish Territories.

I had the opportunity over the last few months to photograph some lovely, strong women. It’s so amazing to be able to spend time with people whose work you admire, which applies to all of these ladies.

Elvira Balakshin (My first Vancouver roomie 10 years ago…)

Dawn Paley (Check out her important work.)

Maryam Adrangi (You can find her writing here.)

Amanda van Baarsen

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This summer, I worked with my acupuncturist Fion Chou on some photos for her new website. Fion is pure magic.

Prior to seeing Fion, I had never been to acupuncture before and I was nervous about needles. Fion put me at ease by describing her process and philosophy. Her clinic is relaxing and overall she’s a fun person to get to know.

If you do visit Fion, be sure to ask her about her passion for pickle ball.

(Shout out to Krisztina Kun who did the website redesign!)

 

Fifteen years ago, Rick Moore made the tough decision to send his son Jeffrey to private school and begin a long court battle. Jeffrey was dyslexic and the public education system didn’t have the resources to work with him. Jeffrey was going to attend a public program for students with learning disabilities, but it closed.

Jeffrey’s family didn’t think it was right that they should have to pay for his son’s education and started what would be a long legal battle.

In 2012, the Supreme Court ruled that students with severe learning disabilities are entitled to equal opportunity to public education.

This summer I had the privilege to photograph, Rick Moore, his son Jeffrey and their lawyer Frances Kelly. The pictures were used for the cover of Transition magazine, a publication of the BC Coalition of People with Disabilities.

For more on this story, see this issue of magazine available here.

 

Special thanks to Marlis Funk for the assist!

 

 

 

 

 

My dear friends Alex and Quvi were married this summer at the Aboriginal Friendship Centre here on Coast Salish Territories. It was a beautiful celebration!

Following the ceremony, there was a delicious food and line dancing!

 

This spring, I headed to Hastings Park in Vancouver to photograph my lovely friend Jen Efting. Jen was looking for some photos to accompany her music website.

Jen writes hauntingly beautiful, political songs. Don’t take my word for it, check her out.

Back in May, Lisa and Vinetta announced that they were closing Rhizome Cafe to move to Toronto. This space has been a vital community hub, event space and makes for a very cozy restaurant. Over the years, I’ve put on events in that space, attended meetings there and bit into their apple, caramelized onion and cheese sandwich dozens of times.

It was an honour to capture the beautiful mural by Melanie Schambachat the café, which was made into postcards.

I was also the photographer at their closing event, taking pictures of the event as well as running a photo booth. What a special evening!

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trinity United Church will be taking over the current Rhizome space and it looks like it will be a great fit.