31 October 2010

Jack O' Lantern

No. 5342 - 29 Oct 2010 - 21:33:42

Science World plays its part in anticipation of Halloween.

Gastown, Vancouver

There is a history of ritual/cultural fires at this time of year. As the child of a proper English father I recall with fascination his annual transformation from mild-mannered parent to mastermind of costume capers with other fathers in the neighbourhood in aid of trick or treat duty and wild-eyed builder of fireworks displays in the front yard where he would make us hold sparklers in spite of our reluctance.

The Englishness of last century's British immigration to Vancouver coupled with the influence of Chinese culture and trade has blended to create a unique and satisfying autumn experience. The tradition of long-gone bonfires at this time of year has conspired with the availability of fireworks to provide the inspiration for an annual event that has happened, as a matter of course, for almost 100 years. I, have seen, from my bird's eye view, for the last three seasons, fireworks, in the dark, rippling along the horizon, spontaneously, for two or three hours, on Halloween. The smell of sulphur, wet molding leaves, and the tingle that comes with a proximity to fire is a compelling and mostly charming phenomenon of the season.

Happy Halloween

No. 4669 - 31 October 2007 - 11:11:09
The Big Picture
Storefront on Main Street, Vancouver

31 October 1986
The Little Picture
Greenwich Village Halloween Parade, New York City
Camilla, Sally, Julius, and Raken

30 October 2010

Parade Of Lost Souls 2010


No. 5515 - 20:14:17 * No. 5535 - 30 Oct 2010 - 20:42:26









If it looks a little dark in here it is due, perhaps, to cuts in cultural funding and the curtailing of ritual light and autumn fires. Public Dreams Society responded with their customary powers of transformation and fortitude; over 100 artists volunteered their creativity to this on-going neighbourhood event and the community showed up better dressed than ever.

Community Orchestra

No. 5471 - 30 Oct 2010 - 20:03:05



The Community Orchestra, without the presence of the traditional fire performers and masses of lanterns to entertain the Parade of Lost Souls, remained key to keeping the embers burning under this annual event. Their pounding rhythms and brass flourishes were heard, from Victoria at Fourth Avenue to Britannia Community Centre; holding people together by an auditory cord of direction and connection with their Ghost Walks.

The Public Dreams Society depends almost entirely on volunteer support and affords many opportunities for cultural altruism and creative satisfaction.

28 October 2010

Gathering

No. 4865 - 28 Oct 2010 - 19:24:42

27 October 2010

Flora And Fawn

No. 4523 - 27 Oct 2010 - 14:44:35



Nos. 4496 ... 4730 - 27 Oct 2010

On top of Cates Hill, Bowen Island.

26 October 2010

25 October 2010

Retreat Into Nature



Nos. 4156, 4157, 4172, 4176 - 25 Oct 2010

24 October 2010

Rainforest

No. 4061 - 24 Oct 2010 - 16:02:38