Mosaic Fernwood - Phase I
Project Planning Journal - Page 2
Working on Fernwood's Community Unity project, I spent some time walking around the neighbourhoods talking to people and introducing them to the project. During one of my jaunts around I came across a lovely artist, Colleen Hussy, who lives just on the boarder of Fernwood. When I walked up her walkway I noted all the art and great energy to her front yard, as I walked by the stairs she came out the door. She noticed right off that I was walking a "pickle dog." As it turns out she used to have a Shihtzu very similar to my new puppy Milton and she was instantly connected to me, even before we spoke. I quickly told her about the project in Fernwood and that we are looking for total community involvement in the designing and building of the mosaics. She then showed me her work, both in her back yard and inside her home. She does great work in paper maché and super cool 3d mosaic. This woman was right up my alley.
Friedwnsreich-Hundertwasser [More Info]
We spoke quickly to one another, as both of us knew this meeting would soon be cut short. I was taken back by our connections. Her work in both paper maché sculpture and mosaic kept us talking. I mentioned my coming travels to Europe and she started telling me about this most amazing architectural artist who does mosaic work on square, flat buildings and creates beautiful, flowing facades to otherwise bland and stagnate architecture. She told me to visit Vienna and go see his wonderful work. Then she brought out an amazing hard cover book with great images and stories all about the artist - Hundertwasser. I asked if she would be willing to lend me the book to help with the design of the Fernwood wall and without hesitation she handed me her most expensive book.
Hard Cover Book
Community Unity was happening before my very eyes! It was totally inspiring; to know that less then one hour ago I had left my home with the intention of a simple walk around my neighbourhood and then somehow ended up on her front step. It was the most amazing Community Unity experience I've ever had. For her to trust me, a virtual stranger, was so rewarding and made me so connected and on track with my life.
That week I wasn't been able to stop looking at the book. Reading the stories about this man's life and all the things he created. I found my self sketching and working on the design ideas for the wall. Then sharing the book with others who would also be inspirited to do more, be more; push the boundaries of their work. What a find!! I knew right away from the first moment I saw the pictures of his work that I would have to visit these locations when I returned to Europe this fall. I am so taken with his ideas on flowing form with nature and color. This trip will totally change my way of doing mosaic forever.
Friedwnsreich Hundertwasser - Mosaic Pillars
Later that week I looked up some information on Hundertwasser online, hoping to find some more great images and perhaps something more I haven't yet seen of his work. My search revealed his recent death in 2000. I was totally saddened by this. I actually found myself, veclemt. I had visions of meeting him this fall, of learning more directly from him. This was now only a passing dream, something I could never make a reality. It really has made me most sad to know, I will not meet this amazing human. I will never in this lifetime connect directly to the passion or the vision. I will simply have to take all I can from the work he has left behind; connect to the reasons behind his work; to the passion of connecting humans with nature and nature to all that is around us. Connect to his theories and then pass this information through my Community Unity projects.
In only a few short days I have been forever changed by the work this man did. From a book lent to me by a kind stranger, to a few hours of reading over coffee, I am forever changed.
Mosaic Fernwood - Phase I
Chambers Street
Victoria, BC
Shylene Schlackl