Valerie Salez

Works included in THE LAST STAND exhibition.

In March of this year, the Eden Grove Artist in Residence Program was created to bring artists into one of the last stands of unprotected old growth forests on southern Vancouver Island, near Port Renfrew, unceded Pacheedaht Territory. The studio was positioned just across the bridge from Eden Camp - one of the many old growth logging blockades that had been established over the past year in Ada’itsx (Fairy Creek) and area. The Rainforest Flying Squad, a non-violent direct action collective, began their first blockade on August 9th, 2020 at the ridge of the Fairy Creek watershed. With the welcome and guidance of Pacheedaht Elder Bill Jones, their movement has garnered international attention, and with the support of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, a growing number of First Nations in BC are now demanding a ban on old growth logging on their traditional territory. Only 2.7% remains of the original productive old growth forests in BC.(1) These forests are home to ancient cedars over 1000 years old, which provide habitat for endangered species and play an important role in mitigating the effects of climate change. The BC NDP campaigned on a promise to protect old growth forests, but approvals for clearcutting have increased by 43% under their watch.(2)

Resident artists at Eden Grove had the opportunity to be immersed in the ancient forest ecosystem while also bearing witness to the frontlines of the forest protection movement. While advocating for the protection of ancient forests, the artists also used their work in an open way, creating space to ask questions and explore interconnected issues from Indigenous rights to climate change. As the relationship between studio and camp evolved, art practices began to inform blockade tactics, and depictions of camp life entered into the artwork. Some artists took on the role of photojournalists. Many of the activists at camp also came to experience their daily acts of resistance as an art form. As one blockader explained, “Eden Camp; it’s more than a tactic, more than a blockade - it’s an art piece. An installation of determination”.

The exhibition Last Stand: Ancient Forests, Collective Action, begins on August 9th, exactly one year since the first blockade was established at the ridgeline of the Fairy Creek valley. Participating artists, while advocating for the protection of ancient forests, are also using their work to create space, ask questions and explore the complexity of interconnected issues from indigenous rights to climate change. The artwork produced through the residency program is powerful, evocative and diverse, and includes drawing, painting, textiles and sculpture. Some of the artists are emerging in their careers, while others are well established, and exhibit their work nationally and internationally.

15 x 30 inches

red cedar discards from sawmill, collage, vintage nails

oak bark, blue acrylic marker, size varies

oak bark, blue acrylic marker, size varies

oak bark, blue acrylic marker, size varies

controversial thin blue line patch worn by many canadian police