The Art of Nova Scotian Life

From BC’s Knowledge Network, I watched the first episode of the Art of Japanese Life (Nature). Dr James Fox looks at the Art and history of Japan and learns about brush-painting, block-printing, bonsai-trimming and the Way of Tea. Episode 2 will be available on July 22.

Within the context of Rethinking Tourism, I wondered how we might define ‘the Art of Nova Scotian life’. My starting point was to think in terms of unique voices which describe our landscape, in particular the Annapolis Valley.

For several years, I have been supportive of literary events related to the work of Ernest Buckler. Could we envisage a modern (2020) version of the Mountain and the Valley?

Can we imagine a focus on the Bay of Fundy? Perhaps based on Harry Thurston’s Tidal Life: a Natural history of the Bay of Fundy.

Through my conversations with Sandra Barry, she recommended Elizabeth Bishop’s poem Questions of Travel. This raised the question of a literary focus on the coast around Great Village.

An alternative approach is to consider movement through the landscape. Two books come to mind, both published by Gaspereau Press.

Soren Bondrup-Nielsen writes Merging: Contemplations on Farming and Ecology from Horseback. Kent Thompson writes Getting out of Town by Book and Bike.

’Thompson investigates the role of the bicycle in books ranging from DH Lawrence and HG Wells to Elizabeth Bishop and Ernest Buckler.’

‘Soren Bondrup-Nielsen catalogues the rich biodiversity of his own backyard, exploring the fields, dyke roads and woodland trails that surround his home in the agricultural heartland of Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley’.

Later this month, there will be the opportunity to watch Episode 2 (Cities) and Episode 3 (Home) from the Knowledge Network.

Can we imagine a similar series for Nova Scotia or part of Nova Scotia (the Annapolis Valley)?

My interests tend toward books (and literature). What about a broader definition of art — music, painting, crafts? Or ecosystem science, agriculture?

Acknowledgements.

Celes for starting the conversation. Sandra for her comments. Edward for his artistic talent. Heather for encouraging bicycle rides to Middleton and back.

References.

British Columbia’s Knowledge Network.
Elizabeth Bishop poem. Questions of Travel.
Kent Thompson, 2001. Getting out of Town by Book and Bike, Gaspereau Press.
Soren Bondrup-Nielsen, 2014. Merging: Contemplations on Farming and Ecology from Horseback. Gaspereau Press.
Harry Thurston, 1990. Tidal Life: a natural history Of the Bay of Fundy.