Tuesday, May 15, 2012

No longer a “we” thing… - Oh Canada!?!


No longer a “we” thing… - Oh Canada!?!                                                            May 15, 2012

I’m baffled!  I also like to take pride in my great nation of Canada.  It has always felt good to travel abroad and when asked where I am from, tall and proud, without ego, exclaim “Canada!”  With a smile and comfort knowing full well people around the world see Canada as a place of great balance, understanding and friendship, I could be proud.

That is all changing.  I feel let down. I feel as though looking someone in the eye and saying “Canada!” with a jubilant glow on my face would lead to a bucket of tar sand being hucked in my face for the ignorant, straight-faced, false pride I have just mischievously tossed their way.

I mean, after all, as a “world leader” isn’t Canada supposed to set the stage for understanding in areas such as environmental and atmospheric concerns, political function, social structures, education, democracy, respect and all the things that make our world turn, happily?  I see our nation as a “we” situation, but lately, I am leaning towards “us”: the people, and “them”: the “government”.   There is no damn way I can comfortably group myself into the “we”.  It’s just NOT how I feel, nor what I believe.  As it is documented, proven and admitted that the Conservatives have lied, mislead and cheated throughout the election system, I cannot and will not see this current system as a democracy I want to live by. It is “us” –vs- “them”. Sad isn’t it?   I now refer to my Canada, when speaking of the government and ruling people as “they”. I do not see myself as a valued part of it.  There is no “we”. SAD!

Back in 2011, when the federal election bought the conservatives (majority @ 39%) into power, my gut reaction was “We’re F$CKED!” Why? Please tell me, that as a Canadian, before I go further here, I’m not the only one that feels that we’re f$cked.  Surely, as we the people were lead to believe there was an economic recession and we had to run our nation like a business. People had been told they needed a government that would create jobs and make money.  Money, money, money! Harper’s platform was based almost exclusively on finance.  And people love money! 

What is “finance”?  Complete disconnect from reality, that’s what “finance” is.  I know I probably lost most of my readers right here.  Most people can’t see the forest for the trees at this simple, elementary concept of disconnect from reality; nature.   HINT: It is not money that keeps us alive, it is our environment.  There is nothing natural in money.  Heck, money doesn’t even carry a true value anymore and here we are pitting our hopes and dreams on a crew of henchmen ready to “lead” our country based on “finance”. Oops!

Anyways, I was sure things would get ugly for Canadians, (and they have and are getting worse weekly) however, being as how I have faith and take great pride in Canada, I thought our leaders would do the right thing with their 39% “majority”.  As I pondered the final results, and inspected the character of the individuals in “power” it took only days to shift my feelings.  I thought, here were a bunch of “leaders” that were going to f$ck it up completely in the name of greed, money, and personal gain at the expense of the people of Canada. What I hoped was that maybe, being as how they are “leading” a great country, they will drop their egos, listen to the people, build an even better Canada, take a healthy approach and make Canada proud!

They have not! We’re F$cked!  The world sees it and I’m disappointed.  We Canadians have literally had our lives sold to industry and our children’s right to a healthy environment erased.  The government is currently receiving great resistance from people and organizations who really care about one another, from all facets of society including non-profit organizations, small businesses, environmental groups, social charities, health care sectors, unions, artists, individuals and everywhere in between. And so they should. This is not the Canada that is supposed to occur. We were not supposed to be bought and sold to industry by a government who cheated its way into office with only 39% support without transparent disclosure of their motives across the board.

This government is short sighted, narrow-minded, unidirectional and bent on profit through massive, destructive, polluting industry.  As long as profit for Canada comes in the form of industry, Canada is all for it.   Our government has decided the complete sell off and mass extraction of our natural resources is paramount to “success”.  Our government is currently wiping out any and all laws, rules, regulations, organizations, people and review processes, within environment, charity, social structure, fisheries, first nations and the government itself, that may in any way attempt to protect, value, respect, cherish, or stand up for what we should value and support as Canadians; life and the environment that supports it.

Private prisons are being built, health care is being eroded, undisclosed military and fighter jet purchases are being made and voters are being misled in campaign ridings.  First Nations values are being ignored, election campaigns are fraudulent, environmental organizations are criminalized and lies about oil pipelines are being marketed and sold to the public.   Family men are seeing no other ways to support their family than by going far away to work in Cancer-ridden, industrial wastelands suck as the Alberta Tar Sands and BC’s northern, natural gas, hydraulic fracturing (fracking) sites. 

If the current Conservatives have their way, soon, we will all be quiet, happy workers in oil patches far from our families, devoid of clean water and gardens and I think it’s SICK!  If the current Conservative government has it’s way, Canada will one day soon be a chunk of land they laugh at from afar, rid of trees, covered with industrial wastelands, devoid of clean water and wildlife, gushing with dirty foreign-shipped oil, with nothing more than roughneck grunts installing more, faster pipelines and bigger, more catastrophic oil tankers shipping raw resources out of Canada as fast as possible.

You laugh!
You think I’m cynical!
I ask you to do some research of your own and make public what you find.
The results will scare you shitless!

Ohhhh….Canada!?!

Sunday, May 6, 2012

BLACK SATURDAY – Protest the pipeline and connect the dots to climate change- A 350.org event


BLACK SATURDAY – Protest the pipeline and connect the dots to climate change-
A 350.org event

By: Daniel Poisson
Photo Credit: Daniel Poisson @ Code of Creation Photo

It was a stunning day with the sun shining down, a light breeze in the air and families and friends coming from all around to meet up in Ganges Harbour on Saltspring Island. 

May 5th, 2012 was the day when over 250 people gathered in Centennial Park at 12:00 noon, all dressed in black, to show their solidarity over the global climate issues and the oil pipelines.   People are tired of the lack of transparency, communication and respect our governments have been providing during the processes of these pipeline negotiations.  These pipelines including the Kinder Morgan pipeline out of Burrard Inlet, the Enbridge pipeline out of Kitimat and more, are proposed to transport bitumen across British Columbia from the Alberta Tar Sands, where it will then be loaded onto giant supertankers and shipped through British Columbia’s pristine ocean channels and islands, all the way to China.  People are against it, and they have the right and responsibility to be.  An oil spill of the magnitude in which these supertankers carry would decimate the coastline and literally wipe out a way of life.

There were smiles, children, elderly, hugs and positive attitudes flowing freely.  Oil drops were face painted below the eyes to symbolize the tears of sadness that these pipelines would cause in the event of what is an inevitable oil spill.  Protest signs were waved about to vocalize how people feel about this important and pressing issue.   Speakers voiced their frustrations and provided facts about the projects and the damage that is already being done to communities and Indigenous groups throughout BC.  Musicians sang and played instruments for the enjoyment of all.  There was a fifty foot long replica of an oil pipeline that was carried on peoples shoulders as the group, complete with a live salsa band, marched through the streets of Ganges Harbour expressing their opinions in a peaceful, creative, collaborative way.  To “connect the dots”, which is the way 350.org is showing the relationships to climate change and human activity, the march was ended with a giant circle of all participants holding hands, joining together, showing strength.

Saltspring Island is a place where people care. People have love. There is a time when people must come together for causes that will affect or potentially destroy their way of life.  May 5th, 2012 at the Black Saturday event in Centennial Park was one such place.  GOOD WORK PEOPLE!  

Ganges Harbour on Saltspring Island - May 5 2012 - NO PIPELINES!!!!!!!!!!! 350.org

Design by : ANDY EVERSON, Kwakwaka'wakw artist
 


SAVE OUR...everything...(absolutely lovely art kids! great work!)


Abbey....PIPELINE?!?! WTF!?


Remember, Remember
 


 STOP THE NORTHERN GATEWAY PIPELINE

 the Raging Grannies - don't mess with a pack of angry Grandma's, Harper Henchmen

 You're pissing off mom's, Harper!

 Seriously!

 There's a whole world out there standing up, most are still too busy to realize it yet.

 All ages all backgrounds in Ganges Harbour -  May 5, 2012


Babies, toddlers, kids, teens, adults & grandparents


 Ganges Harbour is a small town on Saltspring Island in British Columbia Canada, but enough people in the area feel strong enough about these issues to stretch around the block!

The pipeline spilling through the streets

READ THEM!

Thursday, April 19, 2012

SPONSORSHIP NEEDED: to create new body of work




I am not asking for a lot. I am asking for assistance financially however.  I need $5000.00, not necessarily all from one source.  Any assistance would be valuable. I would be more than happy to compensate you with artwork and original signed prints from the journey. Along with recognition of your generous assistance. Looking forward to discussing my options with you should you be interested in working together on this project. All transportation, lodging, food and equipment details are organized and must be finalized finalized before my departure In May 2012.

Respect,
Daniel Poisson
250-588-2784

Friday, November 11, 2011

SUZUKIDELIC!


"SUZUKIDELIC" - 36"X48" - acrylic/guache on canvas - 2011
I love this man!  I know, I know what some of you say...he's rich, he sold out, he's..whatever!
The fact of the matter is, he is awesome and I think awesome is what counts when nature is at hand.

PEACE!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

BEAUTIFUL BEACHES, BIG TREES and BIG CLEARCUTS!

 FRENCH BEACH- Vancouver Island, Canada

 FRENCH BEACH- Vancouver Island, Canada

 I burn natural tree resins.  I find it grounds me, while the smoke connects my spirit to the rest of the world.
 SOMBRIO BEACH- Vancouver Island, Canada

 Middle of nowhere beyond PORT RENFREW- Vancouver Island, Canada

 Even further into the middle of nowhere- Vancouver Island, Canada

 I find it sick humans put plastic tape around and spray paint "LEAVE TREE" on 1000 year old trees. Why don't we just leave them in the forests where they live instead of reducing their life to "SOLITARY CONFINEMENT"?  And don't gimme that "you wipe your ass and live in a house" thing....these logs all go overseas now(for pennies).

 What the picture below could be if we stay ill.

Gorgeous!

 AVATAR GROVE
 AVATAR GROVE
 I find this AMAZING! Look close!  That tree on top growing over(out of) the tree laying down is hundreds of years old.  And to think that the tree rotting under it has not completely rotted away and caused the growing tree to fall, over time? Amazing!
 OLD GROWTH
 Realize the size of this tree!  The others around it are not planted. They are also 1st growth, but only miniature in comparison to this 12 foot diameter giant!  You see, that's the parent.  Those smaller ones are the children. Just like your family.
 Neco is a full grown Husky!  That's a BIG tree.....WHY ARE WE STILL CUTTING THESE???
 The Official: Canada's GNARLIEST Tree!  It's a brute, and gnarly all right!
Me and my dog, Neco being in the forest under Canada's Gnarliest Tree in Avatar Grove.


Study about the concept of, or more accurately, subject of Ecopsychology is vital.  Planet Earth is a beautiful place that my psyche has a deep connection to.  I often think about and contemplate the possibilities beyond wealth, fame, fortune, riches and denial. Denial of our human culture as a phycologically damaged creature. We truly are capable of so much, and being as how we are aware of our consciousness, I can not fathom the possibility we are incappable of growing up as a species and putting ourselves right.

What happened?...

There are many great theories out there and you surely have your own if you have time to think beyond your finances. Morris Berman says in The Reenchantment of the World:
"Addiction , in one form or another, characterizes every aspect of industrialized society...Dependence on alcohol, food, drugs, tobacco...is not formally different from dependence on prestige, career achievement, world influence, wealth, the need to build more ingenious bombs, or the need to exercise control over everything."
He's right in some regard.  Combine that with a lack of connection to nature and you have an environmental, social and planetary recipe for disaster.

I frequently take myself out to the ocean, beaches, parks, forests, rivers, lakes and mountains.  It's partly because I'm a nature lover, but more than that, from a young age I was well aware that issues can often be solved with a firm connection, understanding and comfort from nature.  Growing up I  always believed that if we put ourselves into this position, there must be a way to put ourselves out of this position we have come to find ourselves in.
"By assuming a deep, abiding connection between psyche and Gaia, ecopsychology could produce a timely reappraisal of the environmental movement's political strategy. It might generate a new, legally actionable, environmentally based criterion of mental health that could take on prodigious legal and policy-making implications."- Theodore Roszak


I believe we can change the world. It may be a challenge, but I think we are smart creatures.
Yesterday, 40 km into the bush beyond Port Renfrew on Vancouver Island, I ran into a logger getting ready to head into the bush to fall some trees.
Conversation:
me: Hi! Nice day hey?


logger: A bit rainy


me: Yeah, still nice...so I heard saws from up on the ridge. Is it 2nd or 3rd growth you guys are harvesting down there?  I'm just curious.


logger: 1st


me: oh thats unfortunate, with all the 2nd and 3rd growth timber farms up for harvest?!?


logger: No it's not


me: Why so?


logger: Because all the big ones aren't gone yet


me: that's my point...how unfortunate


logger: So what?


me: May the infinite spirit one day recognise your troubled soul!


logger: FUCK YOU!


me:  I DON'T wish the same upon you, have a nice day!

I extended my hand, we shook and I drove away.....the point is, he shook my hand after all that.
I hope deep inside, I gave him something to think about beyond the "I have a family to feed" mentality.
It's kinda getting old! WE NEED CHANGES!

PEACE!









Friday, October 14, 2011

GREAT FRIENDS MAKING DOPE THREADS!

SO, whenever a few good friends start a clothing company and start out strong, I always like to recognize!  Here is some information to get you started in SKRIBE engagement. Nice work fellas!


Skribe's Online Lauch

Skribe Select's launch of their online store is of to a phenomenal start.

A few quick notes -

Our shirts are selling fast - place your order at http://www.facebook.com/l/mAQC548TRAQDZuATKW8LyXRG51VTtRaSHRt1ica2XOjWBiA/www.skribe.ca to make sure you get your favourite colour/design. We've had an amazing response and want to make sure every one of our friends gets first access to the designs before we launch our online store to the public. As always, a portion of each sale goes to one of our non-profit partners. 

Free music! It doesn't get much better than this. One of the Skribe Select crew dropped some bass on our page for everyone to vibe to. Check it out atwww.facebook.com/pages/Skribe-Select-wwwskribeca/116935238326248

The mechanics of our photo contest have also been updated. To make it more interactive, we at Skribe will select the top 3 photos and leave it up to you all to vote on which reigns supreme. The winner takes home some fresh gear courtesy of Skribe Select. Visit http://www.facebook.com/l/_AQDhxwAuAQBqIohqSkVNFR5ExVNcm9Wba9FRFZWflUEEVg/www.skribe.ca/store/photo-competition for more details on how to enter.

And remember to like Skribe Select on Facebook and share the page with your friends. We've got a lot more music, media and awesomeness to come, as well as updates on our clothing, community and the work our non-profit partners are doing with your contributions. Keep updated at www.facebook.com/pages/Skribe-Select-wwwskribeca/116935238326248

Sunday, July 3, 2011

CLAY PEOPLE

CLAY PEOPLE 1 - 22"x30" - natural clay on archival, watercolour paper

This is the first of a new series of work I am creating, drawing inspiration from the forests and rivers of Vacouver Island.  There are creatures in the forest. I call them the clay people.  They hide in the mud and  inside the soils.  They are silent and invisible.

They are just like us, but rarely seen and never heard.  It takes great concentration to become aware they are always watching out for the forests.

These creations are pure, natural clays found on Vancouver island.  I use my fingers and rocks I find to create the "CLAY PEOPLE".

CLAY PEOPLE 2 - 22"x30" - natural clay on archival, watercolour paper 

These ferns are stunning and important to the clay people.

The Clay people have the rivers as their main water source.  COWICHAN RIVER- MARIE CANYON

VERY BEAUTIFUL!!

PEACE! and remember...the clay people are always watching you when you are in their trees and on their forest floors.

Friday, March 18, 2011

British Columbia is awesome!

I draw much of my inspiration from BC.....if you have never been here....I suggest you come for a visit.  The adventure and beauty is endless.
Here is a tourism website and some artwork to get you started!

https://www.gobc.ca/victoria-travel/code-of-creation-daniel-poisson_2880

Monday, March 14, 2011

30 WORKS spanning 5 Years and many genres showing


If you are in Victoria BC between March 15th and April 14th 2011, please take 5 minutes and come by SOLSTICE CAFE at 529 Pandora Avenue (downtown).
This work ranges from $20 each to $2000 each.  They range in size from 4"x4" to 48"x48". All pieces are ready to hang. 

Have a look or make a purchase of my works being shown to support two worthy causes and allow me to continue to produce.

50% of all sales will be donated to:
http://www.ancientforestalliance.org/
and
http://www.davidsuzuki.org/

to assist with saving our treasured old growth forests and natural environment.
PEACE!
Daniel Poisson

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Central American Photography FOR PEACE



Hello,
These images were created in March 2011 while reminiscing about traveling.


The images here are created from photographs I took in Central America while traveling there in 2008-2009.  Along with my girlfriend, Corinna Haight, I backpacked from Panama City, north, through  Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Southern Mexico, before returning to Panama by plane from Guatemala City. That trip changed my life.  The images have been super-imposed over my own wallpaper-style background and enhanced with subtle colours.

I have used a background that is my own design using the traditional peace symbol that has been spread outwards in radiating rings to create a "flower of peace".  The original image is from a 36"x48" painting I did in Panama City that still hangs there today.  The original painting was signed by over 100 people from over 15 countries while traveling through Panama.  It hangs in Casco Viejo, in the UNESCO Heritage Site, in Luna's Castle, the greatest Hostel in Central America.  There are also over 50 more of my paintings there for all the worlds travelers to enjoy.
 These artworks are collage, ink and coloured pencil on stretched canvas, ready to hang.
Please contact codeofcreation@gmail.com for more info.


PEACE!

OLD AGE, NEW AGE BUSINESS - Panajachel, Lago De Atitlan, Guatemala - 12"x16"

ANGEL IN THE CEMETERY - just outside Grenada Nicaragua - 12"x16"

SCHOOL BAND DRUMMER BOY - Bocas Del Toro, Panama - 12"x16"

EDGARD MUNGUIA(la gata)the cats - Large outdoor wall mural of Sandinista Rebel killed in action, Leon Nicaragua - 12"x16"

KIDS IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD - in the mountains, Juayua, El Salvador - 12"x16"

TIKAL TEMPLE 1 -main temple, Tikal Guatemala - 12"x16"

LANDED ANGEL IN CEMETERY - just outside Grenada Nicaragua - 12"x16"

A GUATEMALAN FAMILY - between Coban & Lanquin in Guatemalan Highlands - 24"x36"

THANK YOU FOR TAKING YOUR TIME TO LOOK AT MY WORK.
PEACE,
dan