Paige Gratland
4000 No. 3 Road
Area:
City Centre
Location:
Art Column is located at street level, South West corner of the Aberdeen Station
This Artwork is no longer on display
Photography: Rachel Topham Photography
Materials:
Digital Photographs
Program: Unique Programs
Ownership: Civic
Sponsored By: Public Art Reserve
Description of Work
Four CMKY Digital Artwork Files, Photography by Rachel Topham
Artist Statement
This series of textiles and weaving tools were made over a six month period in preparation for
the first Pride Picnic and Social to be held at The Branscombe House on August 3, 2019. The tablerunner was made with help from the Richmond Weavers and Spinners Guild and the place
settings were made in collaboration with approximately 200 Richmond residents in 14 sessions,
pairing a presentation by a LGBTQ and Two Spirit artist/leader with a weaving activity that used
these hand made tools. Each participant chose a color and then chose a board to weave their
color into. The wood burned inscriptions that appear on the flat shuttles were contributed by
each speaker as a way to set an intention into the fabric. This project aimed to create more
visibility for LGBTQ and Two Spirit people living in Richmond and show solidarity with the youth
who were affected by the backlash to SOGI, the inclusion of curriculum to help educators make
schools safe for all students. This method of working with color blocks references how the first
Pride Flag was made collectively in 1978 by Gilbert Baker and 30 members out of a community
centre in San Francisco, CA. Storytelling can often live in the past but in this case it serves as a
vision for the future.
This project was made possible through the BC Community Resilience Through Arts and
Culture program, The Richmond Art Gallery, The Richmond Weavers and Spinners Guild,
Richmond Public Art Program, The City of Richmond’s Arts, Culture and Heritage and
Community Social Development Departments. Special Thanks to: Sam McWilliams, Onya
Hogan-Finlay, Katie Varney, Shaun Dacey, Dorothy Jo, Biliana Velkova, Linda Montague,
Connie Robson, Dee Silva, Agnes Mertin, Leslie Green, Anke Hanemaayer, Kristin Nelson,
Lavender Country, Chris Vargas, Paul Wong, Thirza Cuthand, K. Ho, Brenna Bezanson, Rana
Nu, Cicely Blain, Usman Mushtaq, Lisa Acosta, Destiny Lang, Jon McRae, Joyce Walsh, Suzy
Buckley, Ilvs Strauss, Carrie Gratland, Elisa Yon, Vince Gonzaga, Rachel Topham, Marina
Szijarto, Glen Andersen, Sweet Digz Farm, Terry Point, Harold Steves, Carolyn Arthur, Peach
Cobblah and all the dedicated weavers.
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