Digital Print, 2017-18
Blending the real and the imaginary, Ghosts of Robert Lake pays homage to a natural saltwater lake while questioning the sustainability of the relationship between humans and the environment.
2018: Vernon Public Art Gallery
Chapter XV: Coyote, 2017 Digital Print on Falconboard 73.5″ x 48″
Chapter XXII: Gyrfalcon, 2017 Digital Print on Falconboard 73.5″ x 48″
Chapter XXXVI: Ruddy Duck, 2017 Digital Print on Falconboard 73.5″ x 48″
Chapter LIV: The Governor, 2017 Digital Print on Falconboard 73.5″ x 48″
Chapter LXXI: American Avocet, 2017 Digital Print on Falconboard 73.5″ x 48″
Chapter XCII: Red-winged Blackbird, 2017 Digital Print on Falconboard 73.5″ x 48″
Chapter I: John, 2018 Digital Print on Falconboard 73.5″ x 48″
Chapter X: Great Horned Owl, 2018 Digital Print on Falconboard 73.5″ x 48″
Chapter XLIV: Yellow-headed Blackbird, 2018 Digital Print on Falconboard 73.5″ x 48″
Chapter LXXIX: The Invaders, 2018 Digital Print on Falconboard 73.5″ x 48″
Chapter LXXXV: Badger, 2018 Digital Print on Falconboard 73.5″ x 48″
This series of work pays homage to Robert Lake and Little Robert Lake located west of Highway 97 (H-97) between Lake Country and Kelowna, BC. Robert Lake is a natural saline lake and is home to over 100 migrating species of birds. The lake and surrounding area requires a balance of human and ecological life.
With the construction of John Hindle Drive connecting Glenmore Road to H-97, this space is under threat of significant disturbance and sets a precedent for development to continue in the future. As stated in an environmental assessment on Robert Lake in 1994, “development would reduce the amount of water passing through these soils, and therefore over time, would reduce both the water level and salinity of the lake water.
Other considerations regarding changes in the lake water chemistry include potential contaminants from chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides used on residential lawns and landscaping.”
The works show a troubled relationship with humans and this sensitive ecological system highlighting the various endangered birds and other species of life around the lake. Blending the real and imaginary, the works inform about the park and its inhabitants while also promoting a sustainable relationship between humans and our environment… starting with our own backyard.