Weaving Words,
Connecting Community
WOVEN
Communication
Woven Communication Writing
The general housing trend over the past decades has followed the idea that bigger is better, although some Atlantic Canadians are shedding space and downsizing to a tiny scale. Tiny houses aren’t new in Atlantic Canada; our architecture is firmly rooted in being small.
Today, to go tiny is certainly a lifestyle choice, and one that attracts those wanting to live year-round or seasonally in a more sustainable manner, keeping life simple, affordable and environmentally light.
(Saltscapes Magazine, 2017)
Photo by Zac Melanson
(Saltscapes Magazine, 2016)
For centuries, flowers have been a symbol of beauty and love, sharing our messages of condolence, hope, and celebration. At first glance, their colour and elegance leave you uplifted, but as you lean in, the cut flower industry doesn’t smell so rosy. In fact, it may not smell like anything at all with scent bred out in exchange for flawless aesthetic and longer vase-life. Fortunately, a growing number of organic farmer-florists in Atlantic Canada are reconnecting us with a healthier form of farming—one that embraces the seasonality of local flowers and doesn’t make sacrifices for that perfect rose.
Chamomile to calm, echinacea to ward off colds, and bitter young dandelion leaves to aid digestion. These are but a few herbal remedies that were commonly found in our grandmother’s cupboards, and even longer ago in ancient apothecaries, when we were much more in tune with the medicinal qualities of plants. Today, a walk in the woods, on the beach, or in our own yard can still reveal a bounty of herbal medicines ready for the picking, including everything from flowers and leaves to roots, bark and berries. Atlantic Canadian herbalists and native healers believe that there is room for a more traditional view on health that includes medicinal herbs, and they’ve been gathering quite a following.
(Saltscapes Magazine, 2015)
Silver Award for Best Magazine Article, Atlantic Journalism Awards
Merit Award, International Regional Magazine Association
Photo by Rachael Schwartz
Try flax on for size. That's exactly what some Nova Scotia farmers are doing. Once a staple in linen production in the province, flax is now making a comeback into fashion for many reasons. This strong fibre with local roots is weaving connections between farm and fashion - and perhaps even sparking the re-emergence of a regional industry.
Hardy flax has solid roots in Nova Scotia
(Chronicle Herald, 2014)
Photo by Rachael Schwartz
Halifax group dancing up a storm
(Chronicle Herald, 2014)
Nova Scotians have been dancing in circles, squares, and kitchens for generations, but more and more you'll find them lining up at local contra dances. Fiddle tunes, fast spins, "do-si-dos," and a healthy dose of sweat and laughter make up the contra repertoire.
Photo by Glane Gorveatte
Project-related writing
Environmental Assessment, Newsletter, Infographic, Toolkits & Course Content
