Love Your Neighbour, Love Your Ocean

H122 x W183 x D13cm (wall) H122 x W68 x D53cm (column)
H48 x W72 x D5 inches (wall) H48 x W27 x D21 inches (column)

This artwork is located in Vancity Branch 11, at 2233 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver BC, V6K 1N9.  It was installed in Dec 2015 and Jan 2016, and it will be at the current location for 15 years.

Kitsilano has a strong history of love for the environment, and it's easy to understand why.  The neighbourhood has beautiful Coast Salish beaches with mountains across the water.  This imagery is iconic: an internationally recognised representation of what Vancouver is all about.  The neighbourhood continually draws people who fall in love with the area and want to make it their home.

Love Your Neighbour, Love Your Ocean is intended to spark the joy of discovery.  The whimsical creatures represent existing sea life, but also potential marine forms.  Below the surface of the water, there is a beautiful and enticing world of creatures who live very differently from us.  When we choose to develop our curiosity and respect for life, we are able to live alongside fascinating creatures.

Humans are united by the need to connect with nature.  Love Your Neighbour, Love Your Ocean is also intended to reflect the calm beauty of our landscape, and Vancity's commitment to environmental sustainability and leadership.  Time spent connecting with nature is vital, whether alone in introspection, or with friends in celebration.  When we are reminded that we have the opportunity to honour the environment, we can make decisions that we are proud of.

THANK YOU

I am grateful to Hope Forstenzer, who worked as my glassblowing assistant: she is full of energy, encouragement, and helpfulness.  I am also grateful to my parents, who are my biggest supporters, and to my friends, family, and the Vancity team.  The foundation for success is built in a strong community.