A Good LifeGabino Sandoval Barrera is an extraordinary man. I met him for the first time in 2012. I was impressed by his friendly open manner and with the purses made from pull tabs that are the subject of this video. He employees 15 to 20 family members and friends in helping him to manufacture the purses and pays perhaps 100 other people to keep him supplied with tabs. This also provides a fundraising opportunity for the schools and churches of his community. He is an active member of his church and teaches a catechism classes. He lives with his wife and 3 kids in the Bouganvillia barrio of Puerto Vallarta surrounded by his wife's family. We made a video together in 2012 called "Sombrero Hunters", also on YouTube. We had so much fun together, that when he told me he wanted to make a video for his customers. I agreed to help him. Like Gabino, I hope that you like this video and will share it with your friends. And the next time you are in Puerto Vallarta visit him on the bridge over the Rio Qualle, he is usually there from about 3pm on most days.
Bruce Finlayson
Sombrero HuntersClimbing into the mountains behind Puerto Vallarta in search of the elusive Palmas de Sombrero. Intrepid explorers Gabino Barera and Bruce Finlayson face tigers, waterfalls and other jungle perils in their search.
Conversation with Francesca BarkerConversation with Denman Island painter and photographer Francesca Barker.
Hope Chest with Francesca BarkerFrancesca Barker talks about one of the installation pieces in her show, "Patterns". Arts Denman Summer Art Gallery, 2011.
Dragonfly Knoll with Marc Randall and John TallerinoDragonfly Knoll is the name of John Tallerino and Marc Randall's gallery on Denman Island.
Marc's Art with Marc RandallThe craft of book making and bookbinding is quite old indeed. The present form we use today is virtually unchanged over the last two thousand years. This is one of the major appeals to me for making books and journals.
Pythian Oracle dance by Cathy StoykoCathy Stoyko created and performed this segment of the Denman Island production "Divine Misdemeanors", fall 2011.
Bentley LeBaron Potter / SculptorMeet Bentley LeBaron on the Denman Island Pottery Tour, May 19 and 20, 2012. The free self-guided tour features 12 Island studios, open from 10 am to 4pm each day. Pick up a free map at the ferry or in the Island's General Store, and enjoy the Island's rural beauty while meeting some of BC's finest ceramic artisans.
John's Art with John TallerinoIt has always been a question in my mind as to what to call my particular work. I have asked this question of friends and clients and have been given a plethora of answers. They have been called “Centering Shrines,” “Sanctuaries,” “Meditation Shrines,” “Peace Shrines,” “Mini-grottos,” and “Sacred Shrines.”
Denman Island - Year long creativityRural Denman Island BC hosts seasonal weekend events showcasing local creativity, from spring's Garden Tour to the Studio Tour (summer), Blackberry Fair (fall harvest), Christmas Fair, and weekly summer markets. Next up: Pottery Tour May 19 & 20, 2012.
Denman Women's Craft CollectiveThe Denman Women's Craft Collective is inside the little house, with large wooden sculptures in the the front yard, you’ll find an amazing selection of art and craft by local artists: weaving, pottery, painting, jewelry, basketry, cards, soap, clothing and more. It’s hard to resist the beautiful works that you will find, so be prepared to leave a little cash behind. The store is a sampler of the work of talented Island artists, and most have home studios open to the public as well.
A Day in the Life with Bruce Holden and Lee Andra JacobsEvery Saturday morning of summer, from 9:30 to 1:00 pm, there is a farmer's market on the grass field beside the Old School Centre on Denman Road. It is here that Lee Andra and Bruce sell some of their produce, jewelry, rocks and homemade fritters, samosas and preserves. On Fridays they get up at dawn to prepare for the market. They water and pick produce and prepare the fritters and samosas. The pace of the day is steady and continuous, but there is lots of humour and good spirits.
Francesca Barker Gallery OpeningFrancesca speaks at the opening of "Patterns", Arts Denman Summer Art Gallery, Denman Island, 2011.
Summoning of the Gods on Denman IslandThis dance segment opened the 2011 Denman Island production "Divine Misdemeanors." Choreographer Cathy Stoyko talks about its creation, inspired by B-movie rituals. Sheelagh McKenzie plays the High Priestess; Cathy can be identified at far right of the screen in the early part of the dance.
Bentley LeBaron PainterMeet Bentley LeBaron on the Denman Island Pottery Tour, May 19 and 20, 2012. The free self-guided tour features 12 Island studios, open from 10 am to 4pm each day. Pick up a free map at the ferry or in the Island's General Store, and enjoy the Island's rural beauty while meeting some of BC's finest ceramic artisans.
Living Off Grid with Bruce Holden and Lee Andra JacobsBruce Holden and Lee Andra Jacobs are living that dream, but it’s not an easy utopian lifestyle. It requires a lot of planning and daily hard work. It's also a very satisfying and healthy way to live. Bruce and Lee Andra have been building their dream for many years, a combination of supplying their own needs and selling the surplus, working at collecting gems and minerals (Bruce is a prospector), and making jewelry (both Lee Andra and Bruce).
