Blue Ecology

Book launch: How to make a good decision

Michael Blackstock launched a new ebook "How to make a good decision: a five step guide to making everyday decisions."

Go to www.howtomakeagooddecision.com

Michael has an art show in Kamloops, BC @Ya Bubble Tea and Coffee

https://www.facebook.com/pages/YA-Bubble-Tea-Coffee/1415250605423173

Michael D. Blackstock, Artist in Residence, Echo Valley Ranch and Spa

I have had the great pleasesure of being the artist in residence at Echo Valley Ranch and Spa for two years now.  The body of work that I have created there has grown into a walk-about show, through the forest, buildings and ranch grounds.  You will find my art in the trees, on trees, in the spa, lodge and in "room 12."

Guests can now use a pamphlet to self guide their art tour.

My art is created to be viewed in a certain viewing context.  Echo Valley Ranch and Spa is a magical place to create and view art.

 

 

Face in the Forest @Toba Inlet, BC. Great article about a special tree carving done by the Klahoose First Nation.

http://klahoose.org/klahoose-cultural-modified-tree-ceremony/

"Winking Man" mask finished!

I have now completed my client's "Winking Man" mask, made of yellow cedar, copper, horse hair sourced from Echo Valley Ranch, and a lovel mine-cut diamond. This mask is meant to be a jovial, traditional northwest coast mask design. As I carved the mask, the client received photos, updating him on the progress, to feel part of the art-making process.

New Mask in the Works

Here is an "in-progress" photo of a mask I am working on for a client. It is made of yellow cedar, and is called "Winking Man".

Vancouver Sun features EVR and My Art

Check out the article :)

"Spirit Horse" tree carving is complete!

My son Matthew and I completed the tree carving "Spirit Horse", at Echo Valley Ranch and Spa!  The carving covers 2/7th of the circumference of the tree, below the 33% guideline I use to make sure the carving does not affect the tree's growth.  The tree is a Douglas-fir.

The carving has real horse hair, thanks Biscuit (i.e. an Echo Valley Ranch horse), and a glass eye.  The image of the horse was inspired by photos by Raphael Macek, a Brazilian horse photographer.

First Nations people commonly believe that a "white" animal like a buffalo, raven or horse has special spiritual powers.  We held a ceremony at the tree, before we carved, to thank the tree and ensure it stays healthy.  Additionally the ranch wrangler's made offerings to the tree to instill the spirit of the horse, and I think it worked!!!!

The carving was started on Canada Day and finished July 25th.

 

Update on new Echo Valley Ranch Tree Carvings: Grandmother and Spirit Horse

New Tree Carvings @Echo Valley Ranch

Here are some photos of works-in-progress at Echo Valley Ranch and Spa.

The "Grandmother Tree" was started on June 28th, 2013, on a stately Douglas-fir tree.

The "Spirit Horse" was started on July 1st, 2013, Canada Day on a Douglas-fir tree beside the horse stable.

A "thank you" ceremony was held before each carving was started, to acknowledge the tree's role in the artistic process.  A special ceremony was held for "Spirit Horse" as I wanted the wranglers to imbibe the spirit of the horse in the carving.

My son Matthew is shown in the Spirit Horse photo, as he is apprenticing and working at the ranch.

Stay tuned for the photos of the finished carvings!